Fresh concerns have been raised over the preliminary findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the Baramati airport plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.
Jay Pawar, son of the late leader, publicly criticised the report, describing it as incomplete and lacking transparency. In a social media statement, he expressed deep disappointment, stating that the findings did not appear thorough or comprehensive. He said the people of Maharashtra and the families who lost their loved ones deserved clear and transparent answers rather than what he termed as merely formal information.
The crash involved a Learjet 45 XR operated by VSR Ventures. Jay Pawar questioned whether safety concerns identified earlier by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in certain aircraft of VSR Ventures could also be present in other planes within the company’s fleet. He urged the aviation regulator to consider strict action across the entire fleet instead of limiting measures to select aircraft if serious safety lapses had been found.
He further emphasised that passenger safety must remain the top priority and suggested that, if required, operations of the full VSR fleet should be suspended until safety compliance is ensured. The concerns were echoed earlier by his cousin, Rohit Pawar, MLA from the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), who has repeatedly questioned the seriousness of the preliminary report. Rohit Pawar has also raised doubts about the impartiality of the ongoing probe being conducted by the DGCA. He went on to demand that the Union Civil Aviation Minister step aside until the investigation is completed, alleging links between leaders associated with the Telugu Desam Party and investments in VSR Ventures.
Adding to the controversy, Jay Pawar had recently shared a video purportedly showing serious lapses in cockpit discipline. In the video, a man in civilian attire appeared to be asleep in the left seat of the cockpit, typically occupied by the main pilot, while a uniformed pilot was seen operating the aircraft from the right seat. The footage ended as the camera moved from the cockpit towards the passenger cabin. Sharing the video, Jay Pawar spoke emotionally about losing his father, stating that the pain would remain with him for life. Public anger has also surfaced. During Holika Dahan celebrations in Chandanwadi, protestors symbolically set ablaze a Holika representing a VSR company aircraft. The demonstration reflected frustration over what was described as delays in the investigation. Protestors demanded a formal inquiry into Ajit Pawar’s death and questioned why an FIR had not yet been registered by the police.
As scrutiny intensifies, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation by aviation authorities and the regulatory steps that may follow in response to mounting political and public pressure.