04 March,2026 02:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rohit Pawar. Pic/PTI
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday strongly criticised the investigation into the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28, alleging serious discrepancies in the official findings, reported news agency IANS.
Addressing a press conference, Pawar accused the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of attempting to cover up crucial details related to the accident.
This was the third press conference held by the Baramati MLA on the issue, following earlier briefings on February 10 and February 19.
Presenting videos and screenshots during the briefing, Pawar claimed that the AAIB report contains multiple factual and technical errors, reported IANS.
Among the concerns raised was a discrepancy in the direction of the aircraft's movement during the crash. According to Pawar, the report states that the aircraft banked to the right, whereas video footage allegedly shows it tilting to the left.
He also questioned the aircraft's fuel levels, claiming the plane reportedly carried between 90 and 95 per cent fuel capacity despite a routine flight plan, reported IANS.
Additionally, Pawar alleged that the aircraft's engine life had exceeded its permitted limit by over 3,000 hours, raising concerns about the aircraft's maintenance and safety compliance.
Pawar also criticised what he described as basic errors in the official report, including referring to Baramati as a "district" and describing the Baramati Municipal Council as a "Municipal Corporation", reported IANS.
He said such mistakes raised doubts about the seriousness of the investigation.
The MLA further claimed the report mentioned that the aircraft struck trees at the crash site, whereas, according to him, only small shrubs were present in the area and the aircraft did not hit them.
Alleging the possibility of a wider conspiracy, Pawar said local residents had reported seeing unidentified individuals surveying the crash site days before the incident, reported IANS.
He demanded a criminal investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the state's Crime Investigation Department (CID) to examine the matter.
Pawar also questioned why the names of the investigation team members were not mentioned in the report and pointed out the absence of photographs of the aircraft's black box, reported IANS.
Citing the Tyagi Committee recommendations formed after the death of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash, Pawar argued that VIP flights should not operate in low visibility conditions.
He further demanded that an FIR be registered against officials of the aviation company involved, alleging that incorrect weather clearance was provided before the flight.
(With inputs from IANS)
