State Funeral Honors for Deputy CM's Personal Security Officer After Tragic Air Crash
A profound sense of sorrow enveloped Taradgaon village in Satara's Phaltan tehsil as the mortal remains of Vidip Jadhav, the personal security officer of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, were brought to his ancestral home on Wednesday night. This solemn event occurred nearly fourteen hours after the devastating air crash at Baramati that claimed his life.
A Constable Known as 'Ajit Pawar's Shadow'
Vidip Jadhav, a 2009-batch police constable who was affectionately referred to as 'Ajit Pawar's shadow', was cremated with full state honors around 11:45 PM on Thursday. The 37-year-old officer's final rites were conducted with the dignity and respect befitting his service to the state.
During the funeral proceedings, his childhood friends shared poignant memories, noting how Jadhav, who was lovingly known as Balu in his younger days, had transformed into the respected Balasaheb. They expressed their difficulty in pinpointing exactly when this transition occurred, highlighting his evolution from a village boy to a trusted security professional.
Family Man with Political Commitment
Jadhav resided in Kalwa with his aging parents, his wife, a nine-year-old son, and a fourteen-year-old daughter. In conversations with friends, he had expressed his intention to return home specifically to cast his vote in the upcoming zilla parishad elections, demonstrating his commitment to civic participation despite his demanding schedule.
His educational journey began in his village where he studied until class X. After completing class XII, he enrolled in a preparatory academy before joining the Mumbai Police in 2009 at just twenty years of age. His imposing physical presence and broad build made him a natural candidate for security roles.
Distinguished Security Career
Remarkably, in the very same year he joined the force, Jadhav was selected as a personal security officer for a high court judge, marking the beginning of his specialized career in VIP protection. From 2014 to 2019, he served as part of former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's personal security team before transitioning to serve deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar as his PSO.
Friends frequently urged Jadhav to return to regular nine-hour police duties given his extremely tight work schedule, but he consistently declined these suggestions. He explained that he genuinely "liked to protect VIPs", finding purpose and satisfaction in this demanding role.
Remembered as a Selfless Individual
Harish Chavan, Jadhav's friend who works for an IT company in Hinjewadi, described him as "a selfless person" who would help even strangers if requested by friends or relatives. Chavan recalled how Jadhav occasionally arranged for friends to meet Ajit Pawar, noting that "Ajitdada was fond of him", indicating the close professional relationship they shared.
Jadhav came from humble beginnings. His father is a retired school employee while his mother is a homemaker. His wife, a pharmaceutical graduate, works in a private company, completing the picture of a family dedicated to public service and professional achievement.
The tragic loss of Vidip Jadhav in the Baramati air crash has left a void not only in the security apparatus of Maharashtra's political leadership but also in the hearts of those who knew him as a dedicated officer, loyal friend, and devoted family man.
