January 28, 2026, intensifies scrutiny on Maharashtra’s corridors of power following the devastating Learjet 45 crash near Mumbai, with fresh revelations tying the tragedy directly to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s aviation and business empire. The mid-air collision that killed 8, including Pawar’s nephew and key associates, has evolved from aviation accident to political powder keg, prompting a CBI probe and accusations of regulatory favoritism. Occurring at 3:17 p.m.