Ajit Pawar death: Rohit Pawar questions last-minute changes, suspects sabotage; demands probe

The late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in an airplane crash on January 28, 2026.

Speaking at a press conference after the presentation, Rohit Pawar raised questions about last-minute changes in Ajit Pawar’s travel plans.

Rohit Pawar said that his uncle Ajit Pawar was originally scheduled to travel from Mumbai to Pune on the evening of January 27, and his convoy was also ready. However, a meeting with a senior leader delayed him, leading to a change in plans and travel being shifted to the morning of January 28.

Rohit Pawar said that Ajit Pawar was always cautious about flying and avoided unnecessary risks. Although he reached the airport on time, the flight departed late, he added.

Rohit Pawar raises sabotage suspicions angle

Rohit Pawar alleged that there were grounds to suspect sabotage in the air crash that killed his uncle.

He demanded a comprehensive investigation by multiple expert agencies, including international bodies.

Notably, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has earlier ruled out any conspiracy and described the incident as an accident.

Rohit Pawar said the Crime Investigation Department (CID) alone would not have sufficient authority to probe the case thoroughly. He called for an independent investigation involving agencies such as the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis (BEA), the UK-based Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), along with Indian agencies.

He also raised concerns that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) functions under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which could limit the scope of an independent inquiry.

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— Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) February 10, 2026

Questions over pilot and aircraft operator

Rohit Pawar questioned the background of pilot Capt Sumit Kapoor, who was flying the aircraft on January 28, citing his past suspension for alcohol consumption. He also raised doubts about VSR Company, which owned the Learjet, and the handling agency Arrow.

He alleged that VSR Company exercised influence over DGCA officials and questioned why its licence was not cancelled despite a previous aircraft crash in 2023.

Rohit Pawar raised several technical questions, including whether the aircraft’s transponder was intentionally switched off in the final moments. He questioned why the pilot attempted landing on Runway 11 despite poor visibility and why no corrective action was taken when the aircraft tilted.

He also demanded CCTV footage of earlier Learjet landings to verify whether the aircraft carried illegal additional fuel tanks.

Change in travel plans and delay

According to Rohit Pawar, Ajit Pawar was originally scheduled to travel to Pune on the evening of January 27, with his convoy ready. However, a late meeting with a senior leader delayed the plan, and the flight was booked late at night.

Although the flight was scheduled to depart at 7 am on January 28, it took off only at 8.10 am, he said.

The Learjet crash near Baramati airport killed Ajit Pawar, pilot Capt Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Capt Shambhavi Pathak, PSO Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield without a dedicated air traffic control tower.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and DGCA have inspected the site, recovered the black box, and the Maharashtra CID has taken over the probe after an accidental death case was registered by Pune Rural Police.

(with PTI inputs)