‘Was It Really an Accident?’ Sanjay Raut Questions Probe Into Ajit Pawar Crash as Rohit Pawar Alleges Sabotage

Mumbai: The political temperature in Maharashtra has risen further after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut publicly questioned whether a fair investigation is possible in the plane crash that killed senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Raut said widespread doubts remain about the circumstances surrounding the Baramati crash. Referring to recent remarks by Rohit Pawar, he noted that several issues had been placed in the public domain that demand credible answers.

“People are not convinced this was a routine accident. When investigative agencies are controlled by those in power, concerns about impartiality naturally arise,” Raut said, indirectly pointing to the BJP-led governments at the state and Centre.

Rohit Pawar Flags ‘Sabotage’ Possibility

Earlier this week, Rohit Pawar alleged that the crash may not have been accidental and called for a comprehensive and transparent inquiry. He questioned the role of the aviation firm that owned the Learjet aircraft and claimed it had significant influence within regulatory circles.

Rohit Pawar raised multiple red flags during a public briefing, including the sudden cancellation of Ajit Pawar’s road travel plan a day before the flight. He also questioned changes in departure timing and the reported last-minute replacement of pilots.

Concerns were also raised about the track record of the pilot in command. Rohit Pawar claimed that despite a past suspension linked to disciplinary issues, the pilot was assigned to fly a high-profile political leader.

Questions Over Flight Decisions

Among other points, he asked why the aircraft did not attempt a second landing approach if conditions were unfavourable. He also cited alleged visibility concerns at the time of landing and questioned whether aviation safety norms were compromised.

Another issue flagged was the reported status of the cockpit voice recorder. Rohit Pawar suggested that if standard procedures were not followed, it could significantly affect the clarity of the investigation.

Political Fallout Deepens

While authorities have not commented on the specific allegations, opposition leaders are demanding that the probe be conducted with full transparency. The incident has already sparked political friction, with rival parties trading charges over accountability and institutional independence.