Ajit Pawar's body identified by wristwatch; devastated Pawar family breaks down at Baramati Medical College, Supriya Sule cries inconsolably

Mumbaikars woke up to the shocking news that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar tragically passed away in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a public meeting amidst the ongoing elections to the Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis. The plane crashed while attempting to land near Baramati, around an hour after taking off from Mumbai.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed in a statement that all six passengers on board, including Ajit Pawar, lost their lives in the crash. The Deputy CM's family rushed to the accident site, and several heartbreaking visuals from the scene have gone viral.

CCTV footage captured the private jet crashing during the landing attempt. Eyewitnesses reported that the pilot struggled to land the aircraft but was unable to do so safely. Fresh videos have surfaced showing Ajit Pawar's body being identified by his wristwatch, with the devastated family breaking down in tears at Baramati Medical College. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, and cousin Supriya Sule were seen crying inconsolably, alongside a teary-eyed Rohit Pawar.

According to media reports, other passengers on the plane were identified through their clothing and personal items recovered from the wreckage. The accident occurred during the aircraft's landing attempt in the Baramati area. The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45 bearing registration number VT-SSK, operated by VSR.

Ajit Pawar's body identified by wristwatch; devastated Pawar family breaks down, Supriya Sule cries inconsolably; see his last IG post

Ajit Pawar was often seen wearing a wristwatch with a large silver dial and a prominent strap, which aided in identifying his body. He had been heading for a rally and had shared the details on his Instagram account.

According to reports, Ajit Pawar was reportedly travelling with his personal security to Baramati to address a public rally scheduled for 11 am in connection with the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.

Celebs condole the demise of Ajit Pawar, who was the Deputy CM of Maharashtra

Political leaders across parties, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, as well as celebrities, have mourned the demise of Ajit Pawar.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh, son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, penned a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling Ajit Pawar "one of Maharashtra's most dynamic leaders." He wrote, "Deeply shocked and terribly heartbroken to learn that we have lost Ajit Dada in a tragic accident. He had zero tolerance for non-performance and constantly pushed and inspired those around him to excel. His wit was unmatched, and he was deeply loved across the state. His untimely demise leaves behind a huge loss and an irreplaceable void. I have had the pleasure of interacting with him numerous times and will always remember the kindness he showed me. My deepest condolences to the Pawar family, his loved ones, and millions of supporters."

Actor Ajay Devgn also expressed his grief, writing: "Shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Hon. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those affected by this immense loss. Om Shanti." Akshay Kumar similarly extended condolences to the Pawar family.

What is the current sitution? 

According to multiple news reports and circulating social media videos, emergency services and senior security officials have reached the crash site in Baramati. Rescue teams were deployed immediately after the aircraft lost control during the landing attempt.

Three bodies have been rushed to Baramati Medical College, and identification of the victims is ongoing, as per the Pune Superintendent of Police. A team of DGCA officials has also arrived at the site to assist with the investigation.

"The cockpit voice recording will provide information about the pilots' conversations and decisions in the final moments," officials said, adding that all records related to the maintenance performed on the aircraft will also be reviewed. The pilot's communication records with Air Traffic Control (ATC) will be reviewed to determine the cause of the accident.