Indian Deputy Minister, Others Die in Private Jet Crash

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others have died after their private jet crashed in western India on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.

The Learjet 45 took off from Mumbai, India’s financial hub, heading to Baramati, Pawar’s hometown and political stronghold, where he was scheduled to campaign ahead of local elections. On board were Pawar, two members of his personal staff, and two crew members.

The aircraft went down in an open field and caught fire, leaving no survivors. Television footage showed thick smoke rising from the site, highlighting the severity of the crash.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said an investigation is underway to determine the cause, with officials set to examine flight data and wreckage.

Pawar, 66, was a senior political figure in Maharashtra state and a key ally in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition. His aides had long worked alongside him on political campaigns and administrative duties.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences, describing Pawar as a committed leader whose work focused on governance and support for disadvantaged communities.