Rohit Pawar Flags ‘Possible Plot’ in Ajit Pawar Aircraft Crash, Seeks International Probe

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar on Tuesday raised serious doubts over the January 28 aircraft crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra’s then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, alleging that the incident may not have been accidental.

Questioning the state government’s decision to hand the investigation to the Crime Investigation Department (CID), Pawar said the agency lacked the technical capability required for such a complex inquiry.

Calling for an independent and globally reputed investigation, Rohit Pawar urged the government to involve third-party aviation safety bodies such as the National Transportation Safety Board, France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety, or the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

After examining details related to the charter company, the pilot’s record, and cockpit communication from the final moments of the flight, Pawar said he and several party workers had begun to suspect foul play.

He stressed that the nature of the case demanded specialised international expertise rather than a routine state-level probe.

Earlier in the day, Rohit Pawar made an extensive presentation lasting over an hour, supported by 54 slides, mapping Ajit Pawar’s movements starting January 27.

He also displayed screenshots that he claimed were internal WhatsApp conversations of VSR, the firm that owned the aircraft, allegedly referencing the pilot’s history of alcohol-related issues.

This marks the first instance since the crash that a member of the Pawar family has publicly suggested the possibility of a conspiracy behind Ajit Pawar’s death.

Rohit Pawar further demanded an immediate suspension of all aircraft operated by the VSR group and questioned the government’s decision to engage Arrow Aircraft Sales and Charters Pvt Ltd for VVIP travel arrangements.

Responding to earlier remarks by veteran leader Sharad Pawar, who had dismissed conspiracy theories shortly after the incident, Rohit Pawar said those comments were based on limited information available within hours of the crash.

He explained that with large crowds expected in Baramati the next day, any premature statement could have triggered unrest.

However, after nearly two weeks of gathering information, he said he now believed the incident “strongly suggested a conspiracy”.

He added that several party leaders shared his concerns and that he had discussed the matter with Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, sons of the late Ajit Pawar.

While he had not formally shared his presentation with Sharad Pawar, Rohit Pawar said he felt the senior leader would likely harbour similar doubts.

Highlighting last-minute changes in Ajit Pawar’s travel plans, Rohit Pawar claimed the leader was initially scheduled to travel by road from Pune to Mumbai after a cabinet meeting.

A delayed meeting with a senior political figure allegedly forced a change of plan, leading to a hurriedly arranged flight.

Among the points he cited as suspicious were sudden itinerary changes, alterations in flight timing, the pilot’s decision to land despite poor visibility, insistence on using Runway 11, premature descent, prolonged silence from the cockpit in the final moments, inconsistencies between reports from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and air traffic control transcripts, and flight radar data stopping a minute before the crash.

“These elements are closely linked and demand a comprehensive, independent investigation,” he said.

Rohit Pawar also referred to alleged internal messages from the VSR group in which a senior captain reportedly warned pilots — including the one flying Ajit Pawar — against alcohol consumption.

He claimed the pilot had previously been grounded for three years due to drinking-related issues and had to abandon training in the US mid-way.

While stressing that he did not wish to accuse anyone directly, Pawar said he had every right to question the circumstances surrounding his uncle’s death.

Meanwhile, a special audit of VSR Ventures is currently being conducted by a six-member team appointed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The DGCA has also initiated nationwide audits of all non-scheduled aircraft operators in a phased manner.

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