The final rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, who tragically died in a plane crash, will take place in Baramati with full state honors. Ajit Pawar’s body is currently at the Vidya Pratishtan ground for people to pay their respects, expecting a large turnout of supporters and locals. Maharashtra Chief Minister, senior political leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are among the dignitaries expected at the funeral.
The Maharashtra government has declared a three-day state mourning period, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast on all government buildings. An accidental death report has been filed by the police regarding the plane crash, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau taking over the investigation. The Learjet 45 aircraft crash near Baramati Airport claimed the lives of Deputy CM Pawar and four others.
The deceased individuals, including Deputy CM Pawar, were on board a Learjet 45 aircraft operated by VSR Ventures. The victims have been identified as Vidip Jadhav, Pinky Mali, PIC Sumit Kapur, and SIC Shambhavi Pathak. The Ministry of Civil Aviation detailed the events leading to the crash, highlighting the lack of communication from the cockpit crew before the tragic incident.
The crash has raised concerns about VSR Ventures, the aircraft operator, which has faced scrutiny following a previous accident involving another Learjet 45 in 2023. The Ministry noted that the company’s aircraft fleet is under investigation, emphasizing the need for further examination of safety protocols.
