Ajit Pawar’s body was identified after the Baramati plane crash using personal belongings as authorities detailed the tragic process amid nationwide mourning and an ongoing aviation investigation.
Baramati: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was identified through his wristwatch and personal belongings found at the wreckage site of the plane crash near Baramati Airport on Wednesday, officials and reports said. Pawar and four others were declared dead on arrival after the plane crash landed near Baramati Airport.
Plane carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashes near Baramati airport
The plane crash that has left the entire state and politicians across the country in shock had occurred on Wednesday morning, January 28th, 2026. Pawar was flying in a leased plane from Mumbai to Baramati when the crash happened.
Officials identified Ajit Pawar by his wristwatch
“When we reached the site, the bodies were completely charred and burnt making it difficult to recognize them. We took help from the belongings kept on the bodies and later identified Ajit Pawar through his wrist watch (worn on his left hand) and clothes,” an official added.
Identification of dead bodies from objects like wristwatches is common when bodies are badly burnt and cannot be identified visually. Human forensic teams are also likely to have taken their own time identifying the bodies to ensure that there are no mistakes when informing family members and the media.
Victims other than Ajit Pawar were identified
Jitendra Pawar, Ajit’s personal security officer was one of the other victims who lost his life in the accident. Along with him, two pilots and another attendant were killed in the crash. Pawar and all his companions were identified through their documents and belongings found on them.
Maharashtra leaders mourn loss of Ajit Pawar
PM Modi also reacted to the accident and stated that Ajit Pawar was not only his friend but had been a dedicated public servant and a leader of stature who will be remembered for his work.
“The news of Ajit Pawar ji’s passing has left us deeply grieved. He was not only my friend but had been a dedicated public servant and a leader of stature. His contributions will be remembered. My thoughts are with his family in this hour of grief,” PM Modi tweeted.
Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and… pic.twitter.com/mdgwwGzw4R
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to X and wrote, “Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar Ji. He was an accomplished politician and a fine human being. His demise leaves a void in Maharashtra politics that will be hard to fill.”
आज एक दुःखद हादसे में महाराष्ट्र के उपमुख्यमंत्री और NDA के हमारे वरिष्ठ साथी अजीत पवार जी को खो देने की सूचना से मन अत्यंत व्यथित है।
अजीत पवार जी ने बीते साढ़े तीन दशकों में जिस प्रकार महाराष्ट्र के हर वर्ग के कल्याण के लिए खुद को समर्पित किया, उसे शब्दों में व्यक्त नहीं किया…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 28, 2026
Maharashtra government declared a three-day state mourning following the unfortunate demise of Ajit Pawar.
Leader’s body being cremated with state honors
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other leaders visited the spot where Pawar’s body was held before it left for Pune to console the rescue team that had reached from Pune and the family members that poured in later.
Along with state mourning, the Maharashtra government also announced that theFlags will fly at half mast across Maharashtra for three days as a mark of respect to the late leader.
Cause of the crash being investigated
DGCA officials reported that the plane lost altitude and balance as it approached Runway 11, crash landed and caught fire. The five people on board were declared dead on arrival.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will lead a team of officials to investigate the cause of the crash. The forensic team is also collecting the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) or more popularly known as the black box and other evidence like CCTV footage from nearby areas, eyewitnesses and radio conversations during the flight.
