India's 2026 Green Challenge: Political Apathy Meets Climate Crisis From Delhi Smog To Goa Fire

On this Special Report, correspondent Abhijit Karamde provides live updates from Baramati following the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. The mortal remains of the NCP leader were kept at his native village, Kathewadi, for family respects before being moved for public viewing. Karamde notes the 'bitter irony' of the leader's passing, stating, 'they identified his body by the watch which he was wearing in his hand and incidentally, coincidentally, watch is a symbol of NCP'. The report details the massive preparations at the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the funeral, which is expected to be attended by Union Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. The programme reflects on Pawar's 35-year political legacy, his eight consecutive electoral wins in Baramati since 1995, and the deep grief shared by his supporters across Western Maharashtra as the DGCA forensic team continues its investigation at the crash site.

On this Special Report, anchor Preeti Choudhry and reporter Mosumi Singh cover the final rites of Maharashtra leader Ajit Pawar in Baramati. The transcript highlights the immense outpouring of grief as thousands gather at Vidya Pratishthan, an educational hub nurtured by the Pawar family, to say goodbye to the leader often called 'Dada'. Preeti Choudhry notes that 'Today, it's also a moment where that proverbial political divide between the Pawar family is completely blurred' as Supriya Sule supports Sunitra Pawar following the tragic accident. The programme details Ajit Pawar's political legacy, including his eight-term dominance in the Baramati assembly constituency and his recent victory by a margin of one lakh votes. Mosumi Singh reports from the ground, describing the strict discipline Ajit Pawar was known for and the 'great sense of loss' felt by the local community who viewed him as a grassroots leader and a son of the soil.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the high-level investigation into the tragic plane crash in Baramati that led to the untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic teams have reached the wreckage site, located approximately 12 kilometres from Baramati city, to collect samples and determine the cause of the accident. An Unidentified speaker noted that 'the DGCA and the forensic teams are at the crash site as we speak' to inspect the remains of the aircraft following a reported explosion. While the Maharashtra Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR), political tensions have surfaced following demands for a Supreme Court-monitored probe. However, Sharad Pawar has appealed for an end to political discourse during this period of grief, describing the incident as a tragic accident. The investigation is currently exploring various angles, including poor visibility, mechanical failure, and human error, as the final rites for the leader are prepared.

This special report covers the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a chartered plane crash in Baramati. The Learjet 45, owned by VSR Aviation, crashed shortly after 8:45 am while attempting to land, bursting into flames upon impact. Shreya Chatterjee reports that 'Ajit Pawar and four others on the flight were killed in the accident' after the aircraft broke apart, leaving only the tail intact. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a high-level probe, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently inspecting the operator's premises. While VSR Aviation has cited low visibility as a primary cause, questions remain as to why no distress call was issued by the pilots despite receiving landing clearance from the Air Traffic Control. This incident marks the eighth reported mishap involving a Learjet aircraft, raising serious concerns over technical safety and maintenance protocols.