Personal Security Officer to Ajit Pawar Laid to Rest in Native Village
The final rites of Vidip Dilip Jadhav, the personal security officer (PSO) to Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, were solemnly performed by his grieving family in their native village located in Satara district on Wednesday night. In a poignant moment, his young son lit the funeral pyre, marking a tragic end for the officer who lost his life in Tuesday's devastating aircraft crash in Baramati.
Neighbors Appeal for Government Support and Thorough Investigation
A neighbor of the Jadhav family, Shruti Walekar, made a heartfelt appeal to the government, urging authorities to provide adequate compensation to Jadhav's bereaved family. Walekar emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash that claimed five lives.
"This is really sad. He is survived by his parents, wife, daughter and son. The government should provide them with some compensation, as they have a family. The crash should be investigated, and action should be taken against the company concerned," Walekar stated, highlighting the family's vulnerability and the necessity for accountability.
Another neighbor, Rishikesh, shared personal memories, saying, "We have known him ever since he moved here. Today, we lost a man who was friendly with everyone. This is very sad. This is an irreparable loss." These sentiments reflect the deep community impact of Jadhav's untimely demise.
DGCA and Forensic Teams Investigate Baramati Crash Site
Meanwhile, officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic teams are actively investigating the crash site in Baramati. The chartered aircraft was carrying deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who was traveling to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad elections when it crash-landed, resulting in this tragic incident.
Ajit Pawar's Funeral Arrangements and Legacy
Earlier on Wednesday, Pawar's mortal remains were brought to his residence in Katewadi ahead of his last rites. The funeral procession for Maharashtra's longest-serving deputy chief minister in non-consecutive terms is scheduled to begin from the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima) at 9 am on Thursday. It will pass through the city to allow citizens to pay their final respects, culminating at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground, where the funeral will be held at 11 am.
Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara in Rahuri taluka of Ahmednagar district, Ajit Pawar was affectionately known as "Ajit Dada" for his relentless work ethic and profound connection with the people of Maharashtra. Beyond his governmental roles, Pawar played a pivotal part in managing numerous cooperative institutions, including milk unions, federations, and sugar factories, showcasing his multifaceted contributions to the state's development.
Ajit Pawar held the position of deputy chief minister six times, serving under cabinets led by Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde, cementing his legacy as a key political figure in Maharashtra's history.
