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News India Live, Digital Desk: Today proved to be a very sad and shocking day for Maharashtra. State Deputy Chief Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) morning. This heart-wrenching incident has deeply shocked not only the political world but also the entertainment world. Ajay Devgan and Anupam Kher expressed grief. Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan expressed his condolences on social media platform Kher also shared an emotional message recalling their meetings with him: “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of ‘Dada’, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar. A leader who always appeared warm and kind in my meetings. His departure has created a huge void. Om Shanti.” How did this horrific accident happen? Ajit Pawar was on his way to Baramati from Mumbai, where he was scheduled to address public meetings in connection with the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. Aircraft: Learjet 45 aircraft operated by Delhi-based private company VSR. Time: The aircraft took off from Mumbai at around 8:10 am. The plane lost control and crashed during landing at Baramati airport between 8:45 am and 9:00 am. Damage: According to eyewitnesses, the plane turned into a ball of fire as it fell near the runway and 4-5 explosions occurred. Casualties: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that all 5 people on board the plane have died. Apart from Ajit Pawar, these included his security officer (PSO), an assistant and two pilots (Captain Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak). The government announced 3 days of state mourning. All the big leaders of the country including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have expressed grief over the demise of Ajit Pawar. The Maharashtra government has declared a three-day state mourning (till January 30) in the state. During this period, the national flag will remain at half mast on all government buildings. The team of Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has reached Baramati from Delhi for a high-level investigation of the plane crash. Initial reports suggest poor visibility (fog) as a possible cause of the accident.