In a tragic development following the aircraft crash in Baramati, police personnel have successfully identified the body of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar through distinctive personal markers and his seating arrangement on the aircraft. The identification process was carried out meticulously by the investigative team at the crash site, providing crucial insights into the unfortunate incident.
Identification Through Personal Effects and Seating
Superintendent of Police for Pune Rural, Sandeep Singh Gill, provided detailed information to the media regarding the identification process. "Our team conducted a thorough inspection of all the bodies recovered from the crash site," Gill explained. "The deputy chief minister's body was specifically identified by studying his wristwatch, which our police personnel were familiar with due to its distinctive characteristics."
Beyond the wristwatch, investigators utilized another significant clue related to Pawar's travel habits. "Moreover, he occupies a special seat while flying in such aircraft," Gill added. "After carefully examining the position of the body where it was found following the crash, our team confirmed with reasonable certainty that it was indeed Ajit Pawar's body."
DNA Confirmation and Investigation Protocol
To ensure absolute accuracy in the identification process, authorities have taken additional scientific measures. "We have collected samples from his body for DNA testing," Gill stated, emphasizing the thoroughness of the investigative protocol. This step represents standard procedure in such incidents to provide definitive confirmation through forensic analysis.
The Final Moments Before the Crash
The timeline of events leading to the tragic crash reveals a sequence of concerning developments during the aircraft's approach to Baramati:
- 8.11 am: The Learjet 45 aircraft departed from Mumbai en route to Baramati.
- 8.18 am: The aircraft established contact with Baramati Air Traffic Control (ATC). During the final approach, the pilots reported that the runway was not in sight.
- After go-around: Following an initial missed approach, the pilots again communicated that the runway remained not visible, but reported a few seconds later that it had come into sight.
- 8.43 am: Air Traffic Control cleared the aircraft to land, but the pilots did not acknowledge this clearance.
- 8.44 am: Witnesses observed flames around the threshold of the runway, and the aircraft wreckage was subsequently located on the left side of the runway area.
The investigation continues to examine all aspects of the crash, including technical factors, weather conditions, and operational procedures that may have contributed to this unfortunate incident. The identification of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's body marks a significant step in the investigative process, bringing some closure to the initial phase while authorities work to determine the complete circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
