A last frame before tragedy: Ajit Pawar’s pre-flight photo surfaces hours before fatal Baramati plane crash

The image was taken hours before the Mumbai–Baramati flight crashed, killing the Maharashtra deputy chief minister and four others.

• Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash near Baramati, shocking Maharashtra politics
• PM Modi and leaders honored Pawar as vital to Maharashtra's development.
• Ajit Pawar's last rites on Thursday in Baramati with leaders and supporters.

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A photograph showing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar with his security personnel has surfaced, taken earlier on Wednesday just hours before the plane crash near Baramati that claimed his life. Party leaders confirmed the image was clicked shortly before Pawar boarded the aircraft in Mumbai.

The crash has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political establishment, with leaders across parties describing the loss as sudden and irreparable.

Crash during Mumbai–Baramati flight

Ajit Pawar was travelling on a small chartered aircraft that took off from Mumbai around 8 am. About 45 minutes into the journey, the plane crash-landed while attempting to land near Baramati airport and burst into flames in an open field. All five people on board were killed in the accident.

Authorities have said a detailed investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

A six-time deputy chief minister

At 66, Ajit Pawar was Maharashtra’s longest-serving deputy chief minister, having held the post six times under different governments. He served in the administrations of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde.

Known for his strong grassroots connect, Pawar was widely regarded as a tireless organiser and a leader focused on rural development and welfare schemes.

PM Modi leads tributes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over Pawar’s death while speaking at the annual NCC PM Rally in New Delhi. He said the crash had led to the loss of a leader who played a key role in the development of Maharashtra and the country.

Earlier, Modi paid tribute in a post on X, calling Pawar a “leader of the people” and highlighting his administrative acumen. He also spoke to Sharad Pawar to personally convey his condolences.

Leaders visit family in Baramati

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde travelled to Baramati to meet Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, and offer their condolences as supporters gathered to mourn the veteran leader.

Last rites on Thursday

Ajit Pawar’s final rites will be held on Thursday in Baramati. His mortal remains will be brought to Vidya Pratishthan before cremation, with senior leaders, party workers and residents expected to attend.