17 March,2026 12:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rohit Pawar. Pic/PTI
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) legislator Rohit Pawar on Tuesday criticised Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, accusing him of giving an "evasive and hurried" response regarding the investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Taking to social media platform X, Rohit Pawar questioned the credibility of the Union Minister's statement, alleging that the response lacked transparency on a matter of serious public concern. He also made remarks suggesting possible links between the minister and individuals connected to the aircraft operator, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
"The entire nation watched the Central Civil Aviation Minister's hasty and evasive response on the sensitive issue of Ajit Pawar's plane crash," Pawar said, adding that such statements have only increased doubts around the investigation.
Rohit Pawar raised concerns about the handling of key evidence, particularly the aircraft's black box. He questioned the minister's claim that the device was damaged in the crash, pointing to aviation safety standards that are designed to protect such equipment.
He also sought clarity on why crucial information related to the crash has not been shared with an American aviation agency reportedly seeking details in connection with another incident. "If the probe is transparent and follows international standards, why is this information not being shared?" he asked.
The NCP (SP) leader reiterated his demand for the resignation of the Union Civil Aviation Minister until the investigation is completed, stating that accountability is necessary to ensure a fair and impartial inquiry.
He further expressed confidence that opposition parties, including the Congress and members of the INDIA alliance, will raise the issue in Parliament and push for answers from the Centre.
Providing details about the events leading up to the crash, Rohit Pawar claimed that visibility on the day of the incident was extremely poor, reportedly around 3,000 metres, making takeoff unsafe.
According to him, the pilot, Captain Kapoor, had informed VSR Ventures owner V.K. Singh about the poor weather conditions and the risks involved. However, Pawar alleged that Singh instructed the pilot to proceed with the takeoff despite the warning.
He added that call detail records (CDR) could provide evidence of this communication and should be examined as part of the investigation.
Referring to the pilot's medical report, Pawar said there was no evidence of alcohol, drugs, or toxins in his system, indicating that the pilot was in a normal and professional state.
He questioned why an experienced pilot would take such a risk unless there was external pressure. "Why is V.K. Singh being shielded? We need to investigate whether this was an accident or something more serious," Pawar said.
He also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
