Ajit Pawar death: NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar questioning the credibility of probe

The crash site near Baramati airport, where authorities cordoned off the area after the chartered aircraft went down. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Nearly three weeks after the plane crash that killed former deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati, the investigation has become a political battleground, with NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar questioning the credibility of the probe and the government insisting on faith in Indian agencies.

While Sunetra Pawar has sought a CBI inquiry, Rohit Pawar has escalated demands for an independent or international probe, alleging irregularities linked to the aircraft, its ownership and the investigation process.

NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar addresses concerns around probe into Ajit Pawar's plane crash during a press interaction. File pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Crash timeline

Jan 28: Plane crash in Baramati kills Ajit Pawar
Feb 11: Rohit Pawar demands international probe
Tuesday: Sunetra Pawar meets CM, seeks CBI probe
Wednesday: Rohit intensifies attack on investigation

Former deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Pic/By Special Arrangement

What Rohit Pawar is alleging

>> Probe conclusions being drawn prematurely
>> Aircraft registration may have violated DGCA norms
>> Extra fuel possibly carried on board
>> Explosion after crash may indicate fuel irregularities
>> Aircraft allegedly beyond operational life
>> Insurance cover far higher than aircraft value
>> He also claimed the plane's market value was about Rs 10 crore
>> It was insured for nearly Rs 55 crore, including passenger liability total cover around Rs 210 crore

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. File pic/Ashish Raje

Political links flagged

Rohit Pawar also pointed to alleged political connections linked to the aircraft owner, saying a senior leader from Andhra Pradesh attended the owner's son's wedding in Rajasthan. He noted that the same state currently holds the Civil Aviation portfolio at the Centre, arguing this raises concerns about the neutrality of the probe.

Why he wants a wider probe

Rohit Pawar has proposed:
>> Independent panel led by a retired judge
>> Participation of opposition leaders from Parliament
>> Monitoring by representatives of multiple parties
>> He also reiterated a call for an international aviation agency to examine the crash

Questions raised about the aircraft

According to Rohit Pawar:
>> The Learjet may not have met Indian registration norms
>> Officials may have facilitated registration
>> Evidence could be compromised, including the black box
>> He argued these concerns make it difficult to rely solely on the DGCA-led probe

Government's response

CM Devendra Fadnavis has urged patience and confidence in Indian agencies. He indicated there is currently no proposal to involve an international body, but confirmed he would write to HM Amit Shah seeking a CBI probe following Sunetra Pawar's request.

Political undercurrent

Pawar said criticism and trolling for raising questions only strengthens the need for a fair investigation.

Rs 10 cr
Plane's market value

Rs 55 cr
Approx. amount plane was insured for

Rs 210 cr
Including passenger liability total cover amount