Pilot Shambhavi Pathak was among five people killed when a private aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed near Baramati on Wednesday. Pathak was serving as first officer on the Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures and was flying from Mumbai to Baramati. The aircraft went down minutes before its scheduled landing. Pathak had been associated with VSR Ventures since 2022 and held multiple aviation licences, including a commercial pilot licence from India and New Zealand. She had also worked as a flying instructor. The crash killed all five on board, including Pawar, another pilot, a flight attendant, and a security officer. Investigations are ongoing. (PC: X)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday hinted at possible foul play in the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation. Speaking to the media, Banerjee said the incident raised serious questions about the safety of political leaders. She said only a probe under the Supreme Court’s supervision would be credible and added that she trusted no other agency. Banerjee said she was shocked by Pawar’s death and called it a major loss. Several opposition leaders also sought a proper and transparent investigation while offering condolences to Pawar’s family. The aircraft crashed near Baramati during a landing attempt. (PC: India Today, X)

The pilot of the aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar spoke to Air Traffic Control about a visible runway shortly before the plane crashed near Baramati on Wednesday, officials said. No distress call or SOS was issued. The aircraft was scheduled to land around 8.50 am while approaching the Baramati airport, where ATC services were managed by a private aviation school that day. Officials said the pilot may have attempted a go-around, a standard aviation procedure. The aircraft went down moments later and caught fire. All five people on board, including Pawar, died in the crash. Investigators are examining weather and visibility conditions. (PC: X)

The aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar flew for about 35 minutes before crashing near Baramati, flight tracking data showed. The Learjet 45 took off from Mumbai airport around 8:10 am and disappeared from radar shortly before landing. Officials said all five people on board were killed, including Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant, and two pilots. The jet was operated by Delhi-based charter company VSR Aviation. Data showed the aircraft made a loop to align with the runway before the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed the details. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is expected to probe the cause of the accident. (PC: The Indian Express, X)

The United States’ top trade official has said India is likely to gain the most from its landmark free trade agreement with the European Union. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the deal appears to tilt in New Delhi’s favour by giving India wider access to European markets. In an interview, Greer said India would “come out on top” and benefit once the pact is implemented. He also pointed to possible worker mobility provisions for Indians in Europe. India and the EU finalised the agreement this week, creating a market of nearly two billion people. The pact will remove most tariffs and expand trade flows between both sides. (PC: India Today)

Eyewitnesses described multiple explosions and a large fire after a plane carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed in Baramati on Wednesday. The aircraft went off the runway while attempting to land and burst into flames moments later. One witness said the plane appeared unstable during descent before crashing and exploding. People nearby tried to help but were stopped by intense fire. The aircraft had five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, two staff members, and two pilots. Airport officials said the Learjet 45 was chartered from Mumbai. The crash occurred at Baramati airport in Pune district. All five on board died, officials confirmed. (PC: NDTV)

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died after the aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport on Wednesday, officials said. Four others on board were also killed in the accident. Initial reports said the plane lost control during landing and caught fire after impact. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft was making a second approach to the runway when it went down. The Learjet 45 was carrying Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members. Pawar had left Mumbai earlier in the morning and was scheduled to attend political events in Baramati. Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash in Baramati. In a post on X, Modi described Pawar as “a leader of the people” with a strong grassroots connect. He said Pawar was respected for his hard work and service to Maharashtra. Calling the death shocking and saddening, the Prime Minister offered condolences to Pawar’s family and supporters. The charter aircraft crashed while attempting to land in the Baramati area of Pune district. All five people on board were killed, officials said. An investigation into the crash is underway. (PC: X)

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday morning. Minutes before the accident, a post was shared from his X account at 8:57 am. The post paid tribute to freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai on his birth anniversary. The message praised his role in India’s freedom struggle and his lifelong service to the nation. The aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport, killing all five people on board, officials said. Visuals showed the plane destroyed in a field near the runway. An investigation has been ordered to find the cause of the crash. (PC: HT)

A chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed while landing at Baramati around 8:45 AM Wednesday. The DGCA confirmed six people were killed in the crash, including Pawar, who was traveling to attend a public rally scheduled for 11 AM ahead of Zila Parishad elections. Videos from the crash site show the completely damaged aircraft engulfed in flames with first responders present. The plane reportedly crashed into a field during landing. Emergency services rushed to the scene immediately. Initial reports indicated four to six passengers sustained serious injuries, but authorities later confirmed no survivors. Official statements are expected as investigations continue.