NCP MLA Rohit Pawar Calls for Foreign Probe Into Ajit Pawar's Fatal Learjet Crash
In a dramatic press conference lasting over 90 minutes, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Tuesday raised serious doubts about the circumstances surrounding the Learjet crash that killed his uncle and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar last month. Pawar asserted there are strong grounds to suspect sabotage and demanded the involvement of a foreign accident investigating agency from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or France to ensure a fair and independent inquiry.
Allegations of Safety Violations and Pilot Misconduct
Pawar presented detailed slides levying grave allegations against VSR Ventures, the charter company whose Learjet crashed in Baramati on January 28, as well as the pilot-in-command and Arrow, the company that contracted VSR for the flight. He claimed to have gathered information from former employees of the charter company, revealing that VSR Ventures violated multiple safety norms.
"The investigating agency must scrutinize the maintenance records of this company because what I discovered is that they do not adhere to the maintenance schedules mandated by the manufacturer," Pawar emphasized during the conference.
Questions Over Pilot Decisions and Company Practices
Addressing the pilots' decision to attempt a landing despite poor visibility, Pawar pointed out that the Learjet was scheduled for additional flights that day. "It was supposed to fly from Baramati to Shamshabad to pick up another passenger and transport him to Patna before returning later at night. Were the pilots under pressure to land at Baramati so they could proceed with the next flight?" he questioned, displaying a WhatsApp image detailing the flight schedule.
Pawar further disclosed that the deceased commander had failed pre-flight breathalyser tests twice in the past decades during his tenure with airlines and was suspended for three years. He showcased pictures from a WhatsApp group chat where Capt V K Singh, the owner of VSR Ventures, reprimanded pilots, including the deceased commander, over their drinking habits.
In one message, Capt Singh warned, "Pls Be SOBER & DO NOT DO Yr Evng STUNTS AND LET ME DIWN AGAIN (sic)," to which the commander replied, "Copied Sir."
Broader Allegations of Illegal Activities
The MLA alleged that VSR Ventures engaged in illegal practices, such as carrying 50-liter fuel cans on board to refuel at remote destinations to cut costs, and violated pilot duty and rest regulations. He accused the charter company of wielding significant influence within aviation regulatory circles, questioning why its license remained active despite two crashes in over two years, including a previous incident in 2023.
"This company continued to be utilized by senior politicians even after these incidents," Pawar stated, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation.
Current Investigation Status and Response
The case, initially registered as an accidental death by the Pune rural police, has been transferred to the CID. However, Pawar argued that the CID lacks the technical expertise required for a comprehensive aviation accident investigation, reinforcing his call for foreign involvement.
In response to the allegations, Capt VK Singh maintained, "It was a very unfortunate accident. The visibility was definitely low, and the pilots could have diverted. The aircraft was airworthy."
As the investigation unfolds, Pawar's demands highlight growing concerns over aviation safety and transparency in India, urging authorities to prioritize an unbiased probe into this tragic event.
