NCP Leaders Demand CBI Probe into Plane Crash that Killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

Senior leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday to demand a CBI investigation into the January 28 plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar. The crash occurred in Baramati, Pune district, when a Learjet 45 aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar and four others went down while attempting to land. All five on board, including then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, died in the accident. Questions about the crash had earlier been raised by Rohit Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s nephew and NCP (SP) MLA. On Tuesday, Sunetra Pawar joined in demanding a central investigation, submitting a representation to Chief Minister Fadnavis calling for a CBI probe into her husband’s death. ALSO READ: Ajit Pawar Air Crash: Recovered Black Box May Be Sent Abroad For Analysis, Says Govt Source Rohit Pawar has repeatedly questioned the slow pace of the investigation, alleging possible negligence and regulatory failures by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, the operator of the aircraft. He has also raised concerns about operational and crew irregularities and hinted at possible sabotage. Earlier today, on X, he said, “20 days have passed since the unfortunate accident yet the investigation hasn’t gained any momentum. Is the delay solely to allow the VSR company to destroy evidence or does the company have someone’s protection?" “The information emerging today about the black box being damaged makes it seem like the possibility I predicted five days ago is turning out to be true. Be that as it may, we will not rest until we get answers whether it was an accident or a murder in the case of dada!" he noted. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has begun a special audit of VSR Ventures and is conducting a two-phase review of all non-scheduled aircraft operators following the crash. However, no preliminary report has been released yet. (With inputs from agencies)