Rohit Pawar Seeks Probe Into Ajit Pawar’s Fatal Plane Crash, Raises Conspiracy Allegations
Mumbai/Pune, 11th February 2026: NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar on Tuesday alleged that the January 28 plane crash that killed his uncle, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, may have involved foul play. He demanded a thorough investigation into the incident by expert agencies.
Speaking at a press conference, Rohit Pawar questioned the credentials and record of the pilot, Captain Sumit Kapoor, who was flying the aircraft on the day of the crash. He noted that Kapoor had previously been suspended for three years due to alcohol-related violations.
Rohit Pawar suggested that the Maharashtra CID alone does not have full authority to investigate the case. He called for involvement from multiple agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board, the Aviation Safety Analysis Bureau, the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch, and Indian aviation authorities. He also alleged that VSR Ventures, the operator of the aircraft, exerted undue influence over DGCA officials, allowing the company to continue operations despite prior safety concerns. A 2023 DGCA inspection report of the company’s aircraft had already been filed, yet high-ranking officials continued to use VSR planes, he claimed.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has meanwhile initiated a special safety audit of VSR Ventures and other non-scheduled flight operators. The audit, ordered on February 2, is scheduled to continue until February 25.
The January 28 crash near Baramati Airport claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar, Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, PSO Vidip Jadhav, and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu had assured that the investigation would be conducted in a timely manner. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and DGCA visited the crash site and recovered the plane’s black box. Maharashtra CID has already begun its probe into the tragedy.
