Ajit Pawar Plane Tragedy: Viral Photo Of Baramati Crash Pilot Debunked As Fake, DGIPR Issues Fact Check Clarification

As investigations continue into the fatal aircraft crash near Baramati that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and others, the Maharashtra government has stepped in to counter misinformation circulating widely on social media.

The Directorate General of Information and Public Relations Maharashtra, through its official X handle, clarified that a photograph being shared online as that of Captain Sumit Kapoor, the pilot of the ill fated flight, is fake. The post, tagged with DGIPR FactCheck, stated that the image actually belongs to First Officer Clive Kundar, who had died in an Air India plane crash in June 2025.

Officials urged citizens to rely only on verified sources, warning that the spread of incorrect visuals during sensitive moments causes distress to families and complicates the flow of accurate information.

Confusion and misinformation amid public grief

The misleading photograph had gone viral soon after the crash, with several users falsely linking it to the Baramati tragedy. The state information department said such misinformation highlights the need for restraint and responsibility while sharing unverified content, especially during an ongoing investigation.

The clarification comes at a time when public attention remains firmly fixed on the circumstances surrounding the crash and the individuals involved.

Pilot record under scrutiny as probe gathers pace

As investigators piece together the sequence of events, details about Captain Sumit Kapoor, who was flying the aircraft, have come under scrutiny. Captain Kapoor had logged over fifteen thousand flying hours, a level of experience typically associated with seniority and trust within the aviation industry.

However, official records accessed during the investigation indicate that his career had previously been marked by serious safety violations. These include two documented instances where he tested positive for alcohol ahead of scheduled flights, raising troubling questions about compliance with aviation norms.

Centre assures a transparent and time bound inquiry

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that the Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau has launched a formal probe following a letter from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, in his response dated January 29, assured that the investigation would be conducted in a transparent and time bound manner, in accordance with established rules.

The crash has triggered widespread grief and political concern, with leaders across parties calling for accountability. As authorities examine technical data and operational records, officials have reiterated that verified updates will be shared at appropriate stages.