In a poignant twist, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s identity was confirmed through his wristwatch after the deadly Learjet crash that killed him and four others.
Tragic Identification at Crash Site
In the aftermath of the devastating plane crash near Baramati Airport that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, officials faced difficulty identifying the victims due to the severity of the impact and the fire that engulfed the aircraft. According to sources, Pawar’s body was ultimately identified by the distinctive wristwatch he was wearing — a symbolic coincidence given that his party’s election symbol is also a clock.
The Learjet 45 chartered to carry Pawar from Mumbai to Baramati crashed shortly before landing on Wednesday morning, killing all five people on board, including the pilots and Pawar’s personal security and attendant.
Circumstances of the Crash
Officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation described the sequence of events leading to the accident. The aircraft made initial contact near Baramati but did not have the runway in sight during its first landing attempt. It then tried a second approach before crashing near the runway area, catching fire on impact.
The intense blaze at the site made visual identification of the bodies difficult, prompting authorities to rely on personal effects and belongings recovered from the wreckage to confirm identities, including Pawar’s watch and clothing.
Symbolic Irony Draws Attention
The fact that Ajit Pawar — a senior political leader whose party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), uses a clock as its official election symbol — was recognised by his watch has drawn wide attention. Sources say the watch’s distinctive design and Pawar’s regular habit of wearing it made it possible for officials to confirm his identity amid the chaotic scene.
Reactions and Mourning Continue
Following the crash, reactions poured in from across the political spectrum. Colleagues and leaders described Pawar as a dedicated public servant and expressed deep sorrow at the loss. Maharashtra has observed a period of mourning, with many highlighting Pawar’s long service in state politics.
His wife, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and their two sons, Parth and Jay Pawar, survive him. Pawar had been travelling to Baramati to address public meetings ahead of local elections when the fatal accident occurred.
Investigation Still Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Authorities are analysing flight data, weather conditions and air traffic control communications to determine what led to the tragic loss of the aircraft and its occupants.
Also Read : Pilot Shambhavi Pathak Among Five Killed in Plane Crash That Took Ajit Pawar’s Life
