Silver-chained chronograph watch among scattered bodies; Last identity of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

PUNE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash on Wednesday sent shivers across the nation. The private plane, which had taken off from Mumbai to Pune at 8 am on Wednesday, crashed near Baramati airport at 8.45 am. All five on board were killed.

The bodies of all those killed, including Ajit Pawar, were charred and scattered, making it arduous to identify. It finally had to be his unique watch that led many to recognise the body of the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. Local media and news agencies have reported on how the officials managed to identify the bodies. Pawar's PSO, attendant, pilot in command and first officer were with him on the plane.

The small plane belonging to Delhi-based private aviation firm VSR Ventures crashed while Pawar was travelling to his constituency, Baramati. He had attended a cabinet meeting in Mumbai the previous day. Pawar had flown to Baramati from Mumbai on Wednesday morning to attend public meetings and rallies related to local elections.