Ajit Pawar Plane Incident: Funeral Today in Baramati; Police Register ADR

Latest Updates (As of May 28, 2024)

1:15 PM IST - Funeral Procession Underway
The final rites of Ajit Pawar are being conducted with full state honors in Baramati. Senior political leaders from across party lines, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, NCP President Sharad Pawar, and former CM Uddhav Thackeray are present. The funeral procession began from the Pawar family residence and is proceeding to the cremation ground.

11:30 AM IST - Police File Accidental Death Report (ADR)
The Raigad Police have officially registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) in connection with the helicopter crash. The investigation team has recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage site. The DGCA has begun a technical investigation into the cause of the crash.

10:00 AM IST - National Mourning Declared
The Maharashtra government has declared a three-day state mourning. The national flag will fly at half-mast across all government buildings. All official entertainment programs have been canceled. The state assembly session scheduled for today has been adjourned as a mark of respect.

9:15 AM IST - Last Journey from Mumbai
The mortal remains of Ajit Pawar were transported from Mumbai's Sir J.J. Hospital to Baramati early this morning. Thousands of supporters lined the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to pay their final respects as the convoy passed through.

The Incident: What We Know So Far

On May 27, 2024, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's helicopter crashed in the Raigad district, approximately 100 km from Mumbai. The helicopter, a Bell 429, was traveling from Mumbai to Pune with 7 people on board when it lost contact with air traffic control at around 4:15 PM IST.

Victims Identified:

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister
His personal secretary, Sanjeev Palav
Two security personnel
Three crew members (pilot, co-pilot, and technician)

The wreckage was located in the dense forests near Khalapur after an extensive overnight search operation involving the Indian Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police.

Political Reactions and Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, stating: "Ajit Pawar Ji was a dynamic leader whose contributions to Maharashtra's development were immense. His passing is a personal loss and a great loss to Indian politics."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray, and numerous other political figures have expressed shock and offered condolences to the Pawar family.

Investigation Status

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formed a four-member committee to investigate the crash. Preliminary reports suggest adverse weather conditions may have been a factor, with monsoon clouds and poor visibility reported in the area at the time of the incident.

About Ajit Pawar: A Political Journey

Ajit Pawar (65) served as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra multiple times and was considered one of the state's most influential political figures. As the nephew of NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar, he played a crucial role in Maharashtra politics for over three decades.

Key Positions Held:

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra (Multiple terms)
Leader of Opposition, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
Minister for Finance, Planning, Energy, and Water Resources
Member of Legislative Assembly from Baramati constituency

His political career saw several dramatic turns, most notably his unexpected alliance with the BJP in 2023 to become Deputy CM.

What's Next: Political Implications

The sudden demise of Ajit Pawar creates a significant political vacuum in Maharashtra. Key questions being asked:

Who will take over as Deputy Chief Minister?
What will be the future of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction?
How will this affect the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra?

Political analysts suggest several names are being considered for the Deputy CM position, including senior BJP leaders or other alliance partners.

Public Response

Across Maharashtra, spontaneous gatherings and prayer meetings are being organized. In Baramati, his political stronghold, shops and businesses remain closed as a mark of respect. The funeral is being attended by an estimated 50,000 people including political leaders, bureaucrats, and citizens.

FAQ: Ajit Pawar Helicopter Crash & Aftermath

Q1: What is an Accidental Death Report (ADR), and why is it important?
A: An Accidental Death Report (ADR) is a formal report registered by the police under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) when a death occurs due to an accident, suicide, or under suspicious circumstances. It is a preliminary, mandatory step that initiates an official inquiry. Its registration does not imply foul play but ensures a legal process is followed to determine the precise cause of death. It paves the way for a detailed investigation by agencies like the DGCA.

Q2: Who is leading the investigation into the crash?
A: The primary investigation is being led by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's statutory aviation regulatory body. They have recovered the crucial Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) for analysis. The Raigad police are conducting a parallel investigation under the ADR to assist with ground-level evidence and witness statements. The findings will be compiled to determine the probable cause.

Q3: What happens to the Deputy Chief Minister's position now?
A: The position of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra has become vacant following Ajit Pawar's demise. The allocation of this cabinet position is at the discretion of the Chief Minister and the ruling coalition (Mahayuti alliance). A new minister may be sworn in, or the responsibilities may be temporarily redistributed among existing cabinet members. The decision is both administrative and political, requiring consensus among alliance partners.

Q4: How will this impact Maharashtra's politics and the NCP?
A: Ajit Pawar was a central pillar of his faction of the NCP and a key figure in the ruling alliance. His absence creates a significant power vacuum. The immediate impact will be on leadership within his faction and the stability of the ruling coalition. In the longer term, it may lead to a realignment of political loyalties in his home turf of Baramati and western Maharashtra, potentially affecting the balance of power in the state.

Q5: Where and how is the funeral being conducted?
A: The funeral is being conducted with full state honors in his hometown of Baramati. The ceremony includes a gun salute, draping of the national flag, and the presence of high-ranking state officials. The final rites are being performed at the Pawar family's designated cremation ground. The state government has declared public mourning, and the event is being attended by a cross-section of national and state political leaders, reflecting his stature.