Illegal Fuel Tanks, Damaged Flight Recorder, Last-Minute Crew Change — Rohit Pawar Alleges Conspiracy in Ajit Pawar Crash

Mumbai: Rohit Pawar, legislator from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction), has demanded the immediate removal of Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and top DGCA officials until the investigation into the Baramati plane crash is complete. The January 28 crash claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Pawar alleged a “nexus” between the Ministry, DGCA, and VSR Ventures, the aircraft operator. He called for the case to be reclassified as “culpable homicide” instead of an accidental death.

FIR and Nationwide Grounding of Aircraft

Pawar demanded a formal FIR against the company’s owners and technical personnel responsible for certifying the plane’s airworthiness. He also called for a nationwide grounding of all aircraft operated by VSR Ventures, citing past safety violations and a prior 2023 crash. Highlighting procedural irregularities, he criticized reports that the flight recorder was “damaged”, calling it a “scripted excuse” to destroy crucial evidence.

Allegations of Conspiracy and Evidence Tampering

The legislator alleged that the 20-day delay in the investigation allowed the company to “sanitize” maintenance logs and internal communications. He questioned the last-minute crew change, the pilot’s fitness to fly, and the presence of illegal additional fuel tanks that may have amplified the explosion. Pawar claimed the crash might involve “conspiracy” or “sabotage”, suggesting it was not solely due to technical failure.

Illegal additional fuel tanks refers to unauthorised extra fuel storage units installed in an aircraft without regulatory approval or certification, which can alter weight balance, increase fire risk, and compromise flight safety standards.

Also Read: No Distress Call, Last-Minute Crew Changes — NCP Wants CBI to Investigate Ajit Pawar Crash

Calls for International Oversight

Rohit Pawar demanded that the inquiry involve international agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch, alongside Indian authorities. He also proposed a monitoring panel including Pawar family members, legal experts, and opposition leaders to ensure transparency and credibility.

Political Pressure Intensifies

His demands come amid broader calls from Ajit Pawar’s faction for a CBI probe, citing safety concerns and the complexity of investigating a sector controlled by the Union government. The crash investigation, currently being conducted by the AAIB and DGCA, has now turned into a highly charged political flashpoint, raising questions about accountability, aviation safety, and the possibility of foul play in the death of a senior political leader.