Nearly a month after the January 28 plane crash near Baramati that killed five people — including former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar — the political and legal battle surrounding the tragedy has intensified.
On Thursday morning, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar, along with Yogendra Pawar, arrived at the Baramati Rural Police Station seeking registration of an FIR against the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and aircraft operator VSR Ventures. However, police declined to file a separate complaint.
Speaking to reporters outside the station, Rohit Pawar said they held discussions with officers for nearly two hours but were informed that since a report had already been registered and the matter is under investigation by the CBI and CID, a fresh FIR could not be lodged.
Questions Over Investigation
Rohit Pawar expressed doubts about the role of the DGCA, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the state CID in handling the probe. He alleged that attempts were being made to shield VSR Ventures and suppress crucial evidence.
Referring to a DGCA circular that reportedly barred five VSR flights from operating, he argued that the development raised further concerns about the company’s safety practices and compliance record.
The crash involved a VSR Ventures Learjet 45 (VT-SSK), which went down near Baramati on January 28, 2026. Along with Ajit Pawar, four others lost their lives in the accident. In the immediate aftermath, the DGCA ordered a special safety audit of the company to examine operational standards and maintenance protocols.
Rohit Pawar had earlier addressed the issue at a press conference in Delhi on February 21, where he presented photographs and technical details to question the circumstances of the crash. He claimed that there may have been multiple explosions rather than a single impact event.
He further alleged that additional petrol containers were stored in the aircraft’s cargo section, potentially intensifying the fire after the crash. He demanded a comprehensive investigation covering all technical and procedural aspects.
The controversy escalated earlier this month when Rohit Pawar demanded the removal of Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu. At a press conference in Mumbai on February 18, he accused the minister of protecting VSR Ventures and alleged political proximity between the company’s owners and leaders from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
He claimed that senior political figures, including former Maharashtra ministers and TDP leaders, had attended the wedding of Rohit Singh, son of VSR owner V.K. Singh. According to him, despite the fatal crash, the company continues to operate and its aircraft are still being used by political leaders.
Family Voices Concern
Ajit Pawar’s son, Jai Pawar, also publicly questioned the circumstances of the accident. In an Instagram post dated February 18, he called for VSR Ventures to be barred from flying operations. He wrote that aircraft black boxes are designed to withstand crashes and should not be easily destroyed, adding that citizens deserve full transparency about the tragedy.
In an emotional note ending with “Miss you, Dad,” he urged authorities to examine whether there were lapses in aircraft maintenance and to ensure a fair and unbiased inquiry.
Conspiracy Allegations
Rohit Pawar has gone a step further, alleging that the crash may have been part of a larger conspiracy. He also questioned the professional record of Captain Sumit Kapoor, who was piloting the Learjet at the time of the accident.
DGCA Audit And Company Profile
In response to the crash, the DGCA initiated a special safety audit of non-scheduled operators, including VSR Ventures. The audit order was issued on February 2 and remains valid until February 25, with investigations ongoing.
VSR Ventures Private Limited, headquartered in New Delhi, operates as a non-scheduled air charter service provider. The company offers private jet charters, air ambulance services and aviation consultancy. The Learjet 45XR involved in the Baramati accident is categorised as a “Super-Light” business jet, typically used for high-speed corporate and luxury travel.
As investigative agencies continue their probe, the demand for accountability — both legal and political — appears far from over.
Also Read: Baramati Plane Crash Kills Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Reels In Shock https://www.vibesofindia.com/baramati-plane-crash-kills-ajit-pawar-maharashtra-reels-in-shock/
