Mumbai: NCP–Sharad Pawar faction leader Rohit Pawar on Tuesday, February 10, stirred a major political storm after alleging that the Baramati plane crash involving Ajit Pawar’s aircraft may not have been accidental and could involve deliberate sabotage.
Addressing a press conference, Rohit Pawar claimed, “We do not believe this was a mere accident. There is enough reason to suspect that this could be a conspiracy.” He stressed that his party was only raising unanswered questions and demanding transparency.
During the briefing, Rohit Pawar presented a PowerPoint presentation outlining what he described as inconsistencies in the sequence of events leading up to the crash. He pointed to a sudden change in Ajit Pawar’s travel plans, saying, “Ajit Dada was supposed to travel from Mumbai to Pune by road the previous evening. The convoy had already started.”
Questioning the last-minute decision, he asked, “Why did Dada not leave by car? Why was the travel plan suddenly changed?”
Rohit Pawar also raised concerns about the pilot who flew the aircraft on January 28. Referring to past records, he said, “Captain Sumit Kapoor had earlier been suspended for three years over alcohol-related violations.” He questioned the pilot’s decisions during the flight, asking, “Why was the difficult Runway 11 demanded, and why was a landing attempted despite poor visibility?”
Citing a book to underline the seriousness of his suspicion, Rohit Pawar said, “A book mentions that if someone wants to kill a person, the easiest way is to eliminate that person’s driver.” He clarified that the reference was meant to highlight patterns discussed in investigative literature.
Raising further doubts, Rohit Pawar questioned whether technical systems were interfered with. “Was the aircraft’s transponder deliberately switched off in the final moments?” he asked.
He also questioned the presence of replacement pilots at the airport, stating, “The original pilots, Sahil Madan and Yash, were reportedly delayed due to traffic. Then how did Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak reach the airport? Were they staying nearby?”
Questioning the credibility of the investigation, Rohit Pawar argued that the Crime Investigation Department (CID) alone should not handle the probe. “CID will not have complete authority in a case of this nature,” he said, demanding a wider inquiry.
He called for an investigation involving multiple expert agencies, saying, “This case must be examined by international and Indian aviation bodies, including the National Transportation Safety Board, the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety, the UK-based Air Accidents Investigation Branch, along with Indian agencies.”
Rohit Pawar also alleged undue influence by the aircraft-owning firm. “VSR Company, which owns the Learjet, has influence over DGCA officials and can get away with anything,” he claimed. Referring to a past incident, he added, “The final report of a 2023 crash involving a VSR aircraft has already been submitted, yet their planes continue to be used by top political leaders.”
Questioning regulatory action, he asked, “Why was VSR Company’s licence never cancelled?”
Rohit Pawar concluded by saying the party would continue to seek answers, insisting that the public deserves clarity. “These questions are not political. They are about accountability and safety,” he said.
