Sharad Pawar-led NCP MLA Rohit Pawar has met several pilots and aviation specialists in Delhi to help unravel the January 28 air crash at the Baramati airstrip that killed former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, sources said here on Monday. He is also in the process of hiring private detectives to conduct an independent probe into the crash.
Rohit Pawar had held a press conference a few days ago and hinted at the possibility of foul play behind the plane crash. He had also accused the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of not investigating the case thoroughly.
“Today is the 20th day since the unfortunate accident of Ajit Dada and the preliminary investigation report has still not been released by the DGCA. Also, no action has been taken against the VSR company, which operates aircraft in violation of rules. As a result, doubts are growing stronger. Therefore, the DGCA should submit the preliminary report as soon as possible and take appropriate action against VSR,” Rohit Pawar said in a post on X.
Ajit Pawar’s chartered aircraft had crashed on January 28 while he was travelling to Baramati to campaign for the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. The plane had taken off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 8:10 am and reached Baramati at around 8:45 am. However, while attempting to land, it crashed into a nearby field before reaching the runway and exploded.
All five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, died on the spot. The investigation into the crash is currently underway, though no definitive conclusions have yet emerged.
In a related development, Ajit Pawar-led NCP MLA Amol Mitkari, who had earlier raised suspicions of a conspiracy, has once again demanded answers and sought access to CCTV footage related to the pilots.
Mitkari questioned the circumstances surrounding the replacement of one of the pilots. “The original pilot of Ajit Dada’s plane was reportedly stuck in traffic and was replaced at the last moment. When did the two pilots, Sahil Madan and Yash, leave their homes? In which vehicles did they travel, and where exactly were they stuck in traffic?” he asked.
He also demanded details about the movements of pilots Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak, who died in the crash, including when they left their homes, their travel routes and their duty schedules.
Mitkari further questioned claims that data recovery from the aircraft’s black box would take time because it was damaged in the fire.
“They say the black box was burnt and that its data will be recovered abroad. We will wait, but until then, the Maharashtra government should immediately release CCTV footage from the airport and other relevant locations to ensure transparency,” he said.
Rohit Pawar has intensified his demand for an impartial and comprehensive probe, stating that several unanswered questions continue to raise suspicions about the crash.