Five people died, including a key figure in local politics

“According to initial information, no one on board survived to the accident,” said the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in a statement released hours after the incident.

The aircraft, a medium-sized Learjet 45 that was contracted for an official trip, had taken off from Mumbai and crashed when trying to land at Baramati airportwhere they were heading to campaign in a local election.

There were five people on board, including the leader, two members of his team and two crew members, the DGCA said.

The images released from the scene of the accident show the remains of the aircraft on fire and a dense column of smoke while the causes of the accident are still being investigated.

He deceased aged 66nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was one of the most influential political figures in the state of Maharashtra with a career spanning several decades in regional politics.

After separating from his uncle’s party a few years ago, he led a faction that was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission and was part of the ruling coalition in the State together with the party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Currently, it was a key figure in state politics and served as the second-highest-ranking elected official in Maharashtra, within Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition in the state. He had considerable influence in the sugar region of the state and was known for his ability to mobilize rural voters.

Modi published a tribute message on the social network

Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2026

Other political leaders, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, also expressed their condolences over the death of the leader and the other victims of the accident.