Massive Mourning as Ajit Pawar and Four Others Laid to Rest
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with four others who died in a tragic plane crash near Baramati, were cremated with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, Pune district. The funerals drew an enormous gathering of citizens, political leaders and family members who paid their final respects to the senior leader and the accompanying victims — police personnel, aviation crew and a close aide. The collective grief was palpable as thousands marched in procession, chanted slogans and paid homage to a leader whose political career spanned decades, and to the others whose lives were cut short in the same incident.
State Mourns Loss With Three Days of Mourning
Following the crash that claimed five lives, including that of Ajit Pawar, the Maharashtra government declared three days of state mourning. Government buildings flew the national flag at half-mast, and a public holiday was declared on the day of the funeral. The statements issued by the state emphasised that the loss extended beyond politics into the realms of public service and civic duty, as the tragedy encompassed not only a senior political figure but also supporting personnel whose service roles ranged from security to aviation operations.
The bodies were brought to the Vidya Pratishthan ground, where formal tributes were paid. A ceremonial guard of honour and official salute marked the state’s appreciation for their contributions and ultimate sacrifice.
Victims of the Crash: More Than Just a Leader
Ajit Pawar, 66, was travelling in a chartered aircraft that crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport. The others onboard also perished, all of whom were accorded respectful burial rites alongside Pawar:
- Captain Sumit Kapur, the pilot of the aircraft, was an experienced aviator responsible for navigating the Learjet 45XR. He had years of training and flight hours to his credit, making his loss significant in aviation circles.
- First Officer Sambhavi Pathak, the co-pilot, who assisted in flight operations and was instrumental in the aircraft’s handling, also died in the accident. Pathak was among the few women in commercial and private flight operations, making her death notable among aviation professionals.
- Shubham Kulkarni, the personal security officer attached to Pawar, who had the duty of ensuring the safety of the Deputy Chief Minister. Kulkarni’s presence underscored the security protocols for high-profile public servants, and his death was mourned by colleagues and local police.
- Rohan Deshmukh, a close aide and staffer of Ajit Pawar, who was travelling with the Deputy Chief Minister to assist in upcoming campaign engagements, was also killed in the crash. Deshmukh had been a trusted member of Pawar’s team and worked closely with him during political events.
The presence of these four individuals alongside Ajit Pawar made the funeral a collective remembrance of public service, personal dedication and professional duty across diverse roles — from governance and security to aviation.
Emotional Funeral Ceremonies Bring Together Leaders and Public
Thousands of residents from Baramati, including workers from cooperative sectors, agricultural communities and party cadres, lined the funeral route to offer their respects. Emotional scenes played out as supporters and well-wishers chanted slogans such as “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” and “Veer Naukar Amar Rahe” (Long live the brave officer), in honour of both the leader and the security and support personnel who died with him.
Political leaders from across the spectrum joined the grieving family, symbolising unity in sorrow. Union Home Minister, Union ministers, state ministers, legislators and party functionaries attended the ceremony, collectively marking the end of a life steeped in public service and the tragic deaths of those accompanying him.
Ajit Pawar’s sons, Parth and Jay, performed the last rites in accordance with tradition amidst a sea of mourners. Family members, including his wife, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, maintained stoic composure while standing beside other grieving relatives of the pilots, aide and security officer.
State Honours Reflect High Regard for Service
The state honours accorded to Ajit Pawar and the other victims included a ceremonial salute, guard of honour and the playing of the national anthem as their mortal remains were positioned draped in the Indian flag. Police and civic officials coordinated crowd management to ensure orderly homage from attendees.
Flowers and tributes lined the ceremonial ground, and officials meticulously documented the proceedings to reflect the solemnity of the occasion. The collective presence of family, friends, colleagues and citizens underscored the broad impact these individuals had — both personally and professionally.
Reflections on a Leader’s Legacy and Unforeseen Loss
Ajit Pawar’s political career was one of nuanced leadership, extending across cooperative movements, rural development initiatives and state governance. As Deputy Chief Minister, he played a central role in development policies and coalition politics. His passing has left a leadership void in his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party and in Maharashtra’s political environment at a time when elections and administrative priorities were in motion.
The loss of Captain Sumit Kapur and First Officer Sambhavi Pathak resonated in aviation communities, where their professionalism and commitment to safety were acknowledged by peers. Both pilots were remembered for their dedication to duty and the lives they impacted through their work in aviation.
Shubham Kulkarni, remembered by colleagues for his loyalty and service, was mourned as a protector whose duty was to safeguard a public figure. Rohan Deshmukh’s demise evoked memories of his organisational work and support for events that shaped public engagement.
Together, the five deaths highlighted the interconnectedness of public service roles — governance, security, aviation and administrative assistance — and how loss in one area rippled into multiple communities.
Public Tributes Highlight Personal and Professional Bonds
Voices from the crowd at Baramati reflected diverse personal connections and recognitions. Many recalled how Ajit Pawar championed cooperative policies that transformed rural economies and supported farming communities. Others remembered his outreach programmes in Baramati and neighbouring districts, where infrastructure and education initiatives were part of his agenda.
The families of the pilots and support staff shared how their loved ones pursued their professions with pride and purpose. “He always spoke of duty and commitment,” a relative of the co-pilot said, echoing sentiments expressed by many in the crowd.
National Leaders Offer Condolences and Commend Service
National figures expressed condolences to the bereaved families and acknowledged the contributions of all five individuals. Statements released emphasised unity in grief and national pride in the public service rendered by the Deputy Chief Minister, the pilots, the security officer and the aide.
The collective mourning period included official messages from the President and Prime Minister, who underscored the tragic nature of the accident and praised the careers of those who died. Their messages reflected the importance of service — whether in leadership, aviation or security — and the ultimate sacrifice made by those aboard the ill-fated flight.
Investigation Continues Into Crash Causes
While funeral proceedings brought closure to public rituals of mourning, investigations into the cause of the plane crash remain underway. Aviation and safety authorities are analysing flight data, weather conditions, runway information and maintenance records to determine factors that contributed to the crash. Initial inquiries pointed to unusual landing conditions, but definitive conclusions are pending further technical analysis.
Officials have stated that a thorough probe is essential to prevent future tragedies and strengthen aviation safety protocols.
Political and Administrative Transition After the Tragedy
In the aftermath of Ajit Pawar’s death, Maharashtra’s political landscape is expected to undergo adjustment as responsibilities and leadership roles are redistributed within the state cabinet and the party. Discussions regarding succession, policy continuity and electoral strategy will become pivotal in ensuring governance stability.
The government’s declaration of three days of mourning, the state funeral and cross-party participation in the ceremonies signalled both respect for a departed leader and a call for unity amidst transition.
Legacy of Public Service and Collective Memory
As Maharashtra reflects on the life and service of Ajit Pawar, Captain Sumit Kapur, First Officer Sambhavi Pathak, security officer Shubham Kulkarni and aide Rohan Deshmukh, the funerals symbolised a collective memory of dedication across multiple fields. Their lives and final farewell highlighted the diversity of roles that contribute to public life — from elected office and policy-making to security and aviation support.
The outpouring of grief and public tribute at Baramati underscored that leadership, professional dedication and personal integrity leave lasting legacies that communities carry forward long after farewells are complete.
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