Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday escalated his attack over the fatal plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, demanding that Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and senior officials of the aviation regulator step aside until the investigation is concluded.

Speaking to reporters, Pawar questioned the impartiality of the ongoing probe into the January 28 crash in Baramati and alleged that regulatory authorities failed in their oversight responsibilities. He argued that the case should be treated as a serious criminal offence rather than a routine aviation accident, insisting that accountability must extend beyond the operator of the aircraft.

The legislator urged authorities to register a formal criminal complaint against the company that owned the aircraft and the technical staff who certified it as airworthy. He also pressed for the involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation, stating that a central agency would be better equipped to examine financial, technical and regulatory aspects of the case. According to him, the complexity of aviation oversight and the high-profile nature of the victim require a probe independent of both state and Union-level influence.

Pawar further demanded that all aircraft linked to the operator be grounded pending a comprehensive safety audit. He alleged that past safety concerns involving the same firm were not adequately scrutinized and claimed that crucial electronic and maintenance data may have been compromised during the initial days following the crash. He also cast doubt on reports suggesting that the aircraft’s flight recorder was severely damaged, arguing that such devices are designed to withstand extreme conditions.

Raising additional concerns, Pawar questioned operational decisions made prior to the flight, including a last-minute change in travel plans and crew arrangements. He suggested that investigators must thoroughly examine whether all standard aviation safety checks were completed before takeoff.

The MLA went on to claim that modifications to the aircraft, including the possible installation of unauthorised additional fuel storage units, should be examined to determine whether they contributed to the intensity of the crash impact. He also called for scrutiny of the pilot’s service record and medical fitness at the time of the flight.

Alleging that the aircraft operator enjoyed undue influence, Pawar said this may have delayed decisive regulatory action. He demanded that the inquiry include participation from international aviation safety bodies to ensure transparency and credibility. He further proposed the formation of an independent oversight panel comprising legal experts and representatives from multiple political parties to monitor the progress of the investigation.