Rohit Pawar raises fresh questions over plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar

A political storm intensified on Wednesday after Rohit Pawar levelled a series of allegations regarding the plane crash that claimed the life of senior leader Ajit Pawar last month, questioning both the aircraft operator and the ongoing investigation.

The Karjat MLA, who is Ajit Pawar’s nephew, alleged that the aircraft was fitted with additional fuel tanks that may have contributed to the high-intensity explosion during the crash. He questioned why multiple tanks were required for a flight to Baramati, suggesting refuelling could have been undertaken en route.

Rohit Pawar also demanded the constitution of a monitoring panel to oversee the probe, proposing that it include Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, members of the Pawar family, Members of Parliament and a judge. He argued that the circumstances surrounding the crash warranted scrutiny beyond the existing inquiry.

The aircraft, a Learjet 45, went down on 28 January. Rohit Pawar criticised the role of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), alleging delays and discrepancies in its investigation. He questioned why a preliminary report had not yet been released and claimed there were inconsistencies in the documentation related to the flight.

He further alleged operational lapses by VSR Aviation, including questions over maintenance standards, flight planning and the aircraft’s airworthiness certification. According to him, visibility conditions at the time of departure were below prescribed norms, and there were anomalies regarding the aircraft’s logged flight hours and engine usage.

Rohit Pawar also raised concerns about the aircraft’s black box, questioning how parts of it were damaged despite safety specifications designed to withstand high temperatures. He alleged that required recording durations were not met and called for a deeper examination of safety oversight mechanisms.

Additionally, he referred to the insurance coverage of the aircraft, suggesting that financial aspects should also be scrutinised as part of the investigation.

Earlier, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had sought a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the crash. The latest remarks by Rohit Pawar have amplified calls from sections of the party for greater transparency, even as authorities continue their inquiry into the circumstances of the accident.

Officials have not publicly responded to the fresh allegations.

With agency inputs