Tragic Demise of Ajit Pawar's Personal Security Officer
The village of Taradgaon in Satara's Phaltan tehsil was enveloped in profound sorrow following the tragic death of 37-year-old Vidip Dilip Jadhav, the personal security officer of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Vidip, often referred to as 'Ajit Pawar's shadow', lost his life in a devastating plane crash along with the deputy CM and several others on Wednesday morning.
Final Journey with State Honors
His mortal remains were transported to his ancestral village nearly fourteen hours after the accident, arriving on Wednesday night. The final rites were conducted with full state honors around 11:45 PM, marking a solemn tribute to his dedicated service. During the funeral proceedings, childhood friends reminisced about how Vidip, affectionately known as Balu, had transformed into 'Balasaheb' over the years, though none could pinpoint exactly when this evolution occurred.
Distinguished Career in VIP Protection
Close associates and family members revealed that Vidip had joined Ajit Pawar's personal security detail in 2009. Prior to this assignment, he served on the personal security team of former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis from 2014 to 2019. His journey in law enforcement began when he joined the police force in 2019, but his impressive physique and swift reflexes quickly caught attention.
His first VIP protection assignment was for a High Court judge, after which he became a permanent fixture in high-profile security details. As part of elite personal security teams, Vidip maintained an exceptionally demanding schedule. Friends frequently encouraged him to return to regular nine-hour police duties, but he consistently declined, expressing genuine passion for protecting VIPs.
Remembering a Selfless Personality
Harish Chavan, a childhood friend currently working at an IT company in Hinjewadi, shared heartfelt memories: "He was truly a selfless person. Vidip would help anyone without personal acquaintance, solely based on friends' requests. Our group consisted of six close friends, and our bond was so strong that villagers would inquire if even one member was absent from our evening walks."
Educational Background and Family Life
Jadhav completed his education up to Class X in his village school before attending a Phaltan-based junior college for Classes XI and XII. He subsequently joined a preparatory academy and achieved the remarkable feat of entering the Mumbai Police at just twenty years of age.
His father is a retired school employee while his mother manages household affairs. Vidip's wife, a pharmaceutical graduate, works in a private company. The couple is survived by their fourteen-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son. The family resided in an apartment in Kalwa, maintaining strong connections to their ancestral village.
Unfulfilled Plans and Lasting Legacy
In a poignant revelation, Vidip had informed friends about his intention to visit the village to cast his vote in the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections—a plan that will now remain unfulfilled. Chavan further recalled the overwhelming response following the tragedy: "When news broke, I received thirty to forty calls while commuting to office. These were from individuals Vidip had assisted through his connection with Ajitdada. Remarkably, none of these forty people had ever met Vidip personally—he was simply a phone call away for anyone needing help."
The security officer occasionally brought friends to meet Ajit Pawar, simply to introduce them to his boss. This gesture reflected the mutual respect shared between the deputy CM and his protector, with Ajit Pawar reportedly having special affection for Vidip and including him in nearly all engagements.
The tragic incident has left a void not only in the political security apparatus but also in the hearts of those who knew Vidip Jadhav as a dedicated professional, loyal friend, and compassionate individual always ready to extend support through his influential position.
