Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's Fatal Plane Crash: Remembering the Other Victims
The tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has sent shockwaves across the nation, but amidst the political mourning, two other lives lost in the tragedy deserve equal remembrance. Shambhavi Pathak and Pinki Mali, whose names were less known to the public, also perished in the devastating incident that unfolded on January 28.
Flight Details and Timeline of the Tragedy
According to data from Flight Radar, the ill-fated Learjet 45 aircraft took off from Mumbai at 8:10 AM on its journey to Baramati. The flight disappeared from radar screens around 8:45 AM, and official reports confirm the aircraft crashed at approximately 8:50 AM. The Learjet 46, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, crash-landed at Baramati airport, resulting in immediate tragedy for all on board.
Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill provided chilling details of the aftermath, stating that the crash was followed by a fire and an explosion. "People onboard were immediately taken to the hospital," he reported, though the injuries proved fatal for all passengers.
Who Was Shambhavi Pathak? The Accomplished Pilot
Shambhavi Pathak served as the first officer on the doomed flight, working alongside Pilot in Command Sumit Kapoor. Her background reveals a life dedicated to aviation excellence:
- Daughter of an Army officer with a strong academic foundation
- Graduate of Air Force Bal Bharati School
- Earned a degree in Aeronautics, Aviation, and Aerospace Science and Technology from the University of Mumbai
- Completed professional training at New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy
Her educational journey and international training positioned her as a promising professional in India's aviation sector, making her untimely death particularly poignant for the industry.
Remembering Pinki Mali: The Dedicated Flight Attendant
Pinki Mali accompanied Ajit Pawar to Baramati as a flight attendant on the fatal journey. Her personal story adds another layer of tragedy to the already devastating incident:
- Originally from Bhainsa village in Kerakat tehsil of Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Married just four years ago according to reports in Amar Ujala
- Accumulated eight years of experience as an air hostess, primarily working on chartered planes
NDTV spoke with her grieving parents after news of the crash spread. Her mother revealed the heartbreaking detail that she spoke with her daughter daily, but received no call on the fateful morning of the crash.
The Complete Passenger Manifest and Political Context
The Learjet 45 aircraft carried five individuals when the tragedy occurred:
- Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar (66 years old)
- His Personal Security Officer (PSO)
- Flight attendant Pinki Mali
- Pilot in Command Sumit Kapoor
- First Officer Shambhavi Pathak
Ajit Pawar was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati to address public meetings as part of the campaign for the February 5 zilla parishad elections in Maharashtra. The veteran politician is survived by his wife Sunetra, a member of Rajya Sabha, and their two sons, Parth and Jay.
The crash has not only created a political vacuum in Maharashtra but has also left two families mourning the loss of their accomplished daughters – one who reached for the skies as a pilot and another who served those who traveled through them.
