Rohit Pawar, a leader from the NCP (SP), has cast doubt on the circumstances surrounding the recent plane crash that resulted in the death of his uncle and Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. During a press conference in Mumbai, Rohit Pawar suggested that the tragic incident could be indicative of a larger conspiracy, pointing to numerous unanswered questions that merit further investigation.
A Shift in Travel Plans
In his remarks, Rohit Pawar highlighted changes to Ajit Pawar’s travel itinerary prior to the crash. He noted that Ajit Pawar was initially set to travel by road from Mumbai to Pune a day before the incident, but this plan was abruptly altered. “Ajit Dada’s plane crash could be a part of a conspiracy,” he stated. He also referred to literature that suggests targeting a driver’s safety might lead to a successful attack. He questioned why Ajit Pawar ultimately opted for air travel instead of his original road journey, particularly as he was scheduled to meet with senior leaders.
Unanswered Questions Intensify Concerns
Rohit Pawar emphasized that these developments have left many in a state of uncertainty, prompting a need for a thorough examination of the events leading up to the crash. He had previously announced plans for a comprehensive briefing on February 10 intended to clarify issues related to the accident. In comments to reporters, he noted that public concern remains high over the circumstances of the crash and he aims to address these queries in his upcoming presentation.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Ajit Pawar lost his life on January 28 when a chartered Learjet crashed while attempting to land at the tabletop airstrip in Baramati, located in the Pune district. The incident also claimed the lives of four others, including his personal security officer, the pilot, co-pilot, and a flight attendant. In the wake of the incident, the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in Maharashtra were postponed.
Political Allegations and Ongoing Investigations
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has vented her suspicions regarding the crash, suggesting a political conspiracy may be at play. She called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation, referencing speculation that Ajit Pawar was contemplating a return to the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar.
Meanwhile, the Union government has confirmed that a technical investigation is currently underway. Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, provided updates regarding the investigation, stating that both the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are involved in examining the details surrounding the crash.
Ongoing Analysis and Findings
Mohol indicated that the black box from the aircraft has been retrieved and is undergoing analysis. Following data extraction, a comprehensive inquiry will be conducted, culminating in the issuance of a preliminary report. He advised against jumping to conclusions before the investigation’s findings are fully available.
Authorities have confirmed that the inquiry is being carried out under the AAIB Rules, 2025, and aims to clarify the sequence of events, including evaluating factors such as weather and visibility at the time of the aircraft’s landing attempt.