‘Papa, I’m Going with Ajit Pawar…’ – Flight Attendant Pinky’s Final Words to Father

New Delhi – January 28, 2026– Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically died in a plane crash near Baramati Airport on Wednesday, along with four other people. The accident has sent shockwaves across the state.

Among those affected was flight attendant Pinky Mali. Her father, Shivkumar Mali, shared the details of their last conversation before the flight. Pinky, a resident of Worli, Mumbai, had called her father saying, “Papa, I’m going to Baramati with Ajit Pawar. After dropping him off, I’ll head to Nanded. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

Shivkumar, heartbroken, said, “I thought I would speak to her the next day after work. But that call never came. I have lost my daughter. I don’t know exactly what happened, as I have no technical knowledge of such incidents. I just want her body so I can perform her last rites with dignity.”

The aircraft, a Learjet 45 registered VT-SSK, was operated by VSR Ventures, a Delhi-based company. It crashed near Baramati Airport in Pune district, and all six onboard, including Ajit Pawar and Pinky Mali, suffered fatal injuries.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crash. The bodies were badly burned, and identification, including Ajit Pawar’s wristwatch, played a key role in confirming the victims.

The incident has raised questions about aviation safety, while Maharashtra’s political landscape faces uncertainty following Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise. Senior leaders, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, expressed condolences, describing Pawar as a dedicated public servant who served Maharashtra faithfully.