Mumbai-based flight attendant with UP roots dies in air crash

Pinky Mali, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, also died in the plane crash along with Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who was a cabin crew member on the ill-fated plane.

Her father, Shiv Kumar Mali, is a taxi driver in Mumbai and a Shiv Sena supporter. Pinky was educated in Thane, Mumbai.

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Pinky’s home in Jaunpur is in Bhainsa village, Kerakat tehsil, 40 km from the district headquarters.

Ashok Singh, a resident of the village, said, “Pinky’s father had a deep connection to the village. He organizes Durga Puja every year. He also visited the village two months ago.”

Pinky has a brother, Karan, and a sister, Preeti. Pinky, 29, lived in Century Quarters in Worli, Mumbai.

Pinky’s father said, “I last spoke to her yesterday. She told me she would go to Baramati with Ajit Dada. From there, she would go to Nanded. She said she would arrange a meeting between Ajit Pawar and me. She was very happy.”

Brother Karan said that Pinky had called in the morning, saying she was going from Baramati to Nanded. There was no message from her after that.

Pinky’s mother, Maya Mali, who lives in Mumbai, broke down upon hearing the news of her daughter’s death.

She said, “I was so worried. I was wondering what had happened, but people weren’t telling me anything. Deep inside, I felt something wasn’t right. She used to call me every morning and say, ‘Mom, have breakfast, take your medicine.’ But today, I didn’t receive a message or call from her.”

“My daughter worked as a flight attendant with prominent politicians and officials,” mother said.

The deceased had traveled with Ajit Pawar, Devendra Fernandes, Narayan Rane, and his son.

Shitala Prasad Mali, who lives in Bhainsa village, is Pinky’s cousin. He said, “Pinky’s father, Shiv Kumar Mali, is one of four brothers. Shiv Kumar’s father, Babu Ram, passed away last year. Pinky is married. Everyone in the family has lived in Mumbai for the past 30-35 years.”

Sheetla said the family had come from Mumbai two months ago. His father, in addition to being a member of the Shiv Sena, also drives a taxi. Pinky was married in Basti. The family lives in Mumbai.