The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has confirmed that the flight recorders from the Learjet 45 aircraft involved in the fatal crash in Baramati were damaged due to prolonged exposure to intense heat.

The accident occurred on January 28, 2026, when the chartered Learjet 45, registered as VT-SSK, crash-landed at the runway threshold in Baramati, Maharashtra. The investigation is being conducted strictly under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and in accordance with international standards laid down in ICAO Annex 13, as stated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Both flight recorders exposed to fire

Officials said the aircraft was fitted with two independent flight recorders. Both devices were subjected to intense heat for a prolonged period during the crash and sustained fire damage.

Despite the damage, the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), manufactured by L3-Communications, has been successfully downloaded at the AAIB Flight Recorder Laboratory. Meanwhile, the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), manufactured by Honeywell, is currently undergoing detailed technical examination.

Authorities have sought assistance from the Accredited Representative of the State of Manufacture to provide specialised support in retrieving data from the damaged CVR.

Investigation to remain evidence-based

The AAIB stated that it is following all prescribed technical and procedural protocols to ensure a thorough, objective and evidence-based investigation. The bureau reiterated its commitment to transparency and said further details will be shared at an appropriate stage.

The investigation body also urged stakeholders to refrain from speculation while the probe is underway. Earlier, authorities had emphasised that no premature conclusions should be drawn until the analysis is fully completed. The black box data is expected to provide crucial insights into the sequence of events leading to the crash.

Five people died in the crash

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), five people, including the crew members, were on board the chartered aircraft flying from Mumbai to Baramati when it crash-landed at the runway threshold.

Among those killed was Ajit Pawar, who was travelling to Baramati to campaign for the Zilla Panchayat elections.

With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, the Bharatiya Janata Party has stepped up its campaign efforts, announcing plans to take out nine Parivartan Rath Yatras across different regions of the state. The campaign mirrors the party’s strategy during the 2021 Assembly elections.

First and second phase schedule

The first phase of the yatra will commence on March 1 from Cooch Behar South, Krishnanagar South, Garhbeta, and Raydighi-Kulti.

The second phase is scheduled to begin on March 2 from Islampur, Sandeshkhali, Haldia (assumed correction from “Hassan”), and Amta.

No yatras will take place on March 3 and 4 due to Holi celebrations. The campaign will resume on March 5.

Between March 5 and 10, the BJP plans to cover over 5,000 km across assembly constituencies in the state. The party has also announced plans to hold 60 large public meetings and more than 300 smaller gatherings during the campaign.

Leaders to attend

Senior party leaders are expected to participate in the launch events. These include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will attend the concluding rally at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground.

Other leaders slated to attend include BJP President J. P. Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Smriti Irani.

BJP leaders attack TMC

Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari clarified that the campaign is being termed a “Parivartan Yatra” rather than a Rath Yatra, saying it aims to bring political change in the state.

West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and alleged that corruption had become synonymous with the state government under the All India Trinamool Congress. He said that the promise of restoring democracy in 2011 had not been fulfilled and accused the ruling party of widespread corruption.

Senior Assam leader Bhupen Borah, who recently resigned from the Congress ahead of the state elections, is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on February 22, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Speaking to reporters, Sarma said Borah has decided not to reconsider his resignation and will formally enter the BJP after discussions between the two leaders.

Borah, who had served as the Assam Congress chief since 2021, stepped down from the party citing internal issues. In May last year, he was replaced by Gaurav Gogoi as the state unit president. Though Borah was later assigned responsibility for the coalition committee, sources indicated that key decisions were being taken by Gogoi.

Internal rift in Assam Congress

According to sources close to Borah, he felt sidelined within the party despite years of service. In an interview with media, Borah said the primary reason behind his decision was “humiliation”.

Chief Minister Sarma, who himself had moved to the BJP after a long stint in the Congress, said he understood Borah’s situation. “I have got through the same pain that Bhupen Borah went through,” Sarma said.

He further criticised the Congress leadership, alleging that the party has unresolved internal issues and failed to adequately address the concerns raised by Borah. Sarma added that merely reaching out to a dissatisfied leader was not sufficient and that the party should have made stronger efforts to retain him.

Borah’s move comes ahead of the upcoming state elections, marking a significant political development in Assam.