Rohit Pawar Raises Questions Over Baramati Crash, Hints at Powerful Links and Hidden Angles
Days after the tragic Baramati plane crash that killed five people — including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar — political ripples continue to spread far beyond the crash site.
On Saturday, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, nephew of the late leader, publicly alleged that the private jet operator at the centre of the tragedy may have connections with “very influential” figures in politics and business.
Addressing the media, he appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to personally ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
The Operator Under Scrutiny
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK), operated by Delhi-based charter company VSR Ventures, also known as VSR Aviation.
The jet had taken off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on the morning of January 28 and was headed to Baramati when the crash occurred.
The operator has attributed the accident to possible poor visibility during landing.
However, Rohit Pawar suggested that the matter may not be so straightforward. According to him, the company appears to enjoy backing from powerful individuals — some allegedly connected to state administrations and others to the ruling establishment at the Centre.
Political or Commercial Motive?
Without making direct accusations, Pawar floated two possible lines of inquiry: a political motive or a commercial one.
He claimed that “certain voices” were already attempting to shape the public narrative, implying that influential interests may be at play behind the scenes.
The grapevine in political circles has been buzzing with speculation. Some whisper about high-stakes business rivalries in the private aviation sector; others hint at deeper political fault lines in Maharashtra’s shifting power equations.
While none of these theories has been substantiated, Pawar’s remarks have added fuel to the swirl of suspicion.
Questions Around the Black Box
One of the most pointed concerns raised relates to the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). Pawar alleged that the CVR installed on the jet reportedly had only a 30-minute recording capacity, whereas the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates a minimum of two hours.
“If the rules require two hours, how was this aircraft cleared?” he asked, calling it a serious irregularity.
He further claimed that the final 30 minutes before impact — the only portion that would have been recorded — could contain critical information about what transpired inside the cockpit.
There are also questions over the reported damage to the CVR, with Pawar expressing scepticism about whether all recorded data will be recoverable.
In addition, he raised concerns about multiple explosions following the crash. According to him, reports suggest that additional fuel containers may have been stored in the baggage area, potentially worsening the fire.
These claims, if verified, could shift the focus toward mechanical or maintenance lapses.
Investigation and Public Mood
At present, investigative agencies are examining the wreckage, flight data and maintenance records. No official conclusion has been announced regarding the cause of the crash.
Yet politically, the tragedy has already entered a more sensitive zone. With Ajit Pawar being a towering figure in Maharashtra politics, the emotional and political stakes are exceptionally high.
Calls for accountability are growing louder, and so are demands for complete transparency.
Whether the investigation ultimately points to negligence, regulatory failure, business rivalry, or something more complex, one thing is certain: the questions raised are unlikely to fade quietly.
For now, the nation watches — and waits.
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