Rohit Pawar, the nephew of the late Ajit Pawar, who served as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, has lodged a zero FIR in Bengaluru regarding the plane crash that occurred on January 28 in Baramati. The crash resulted in the deaths of Ajit Pawar along with four others. The FIR was submitted following a complaint from an MLA associated with the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), which asserts that there is a larger criminal conspiracy connected to the tragic event.

Details of the Zero FIR

A zero FIR can be registered at any police station, regardless of the incident’s location. This particular FIR was filed at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru. Rohit Pawar indicated that, due to a lack of action in Maharashtra despite previous complaints, he felt compelled to take this step in Karnataka. He noted that the same process was previously applied in another case regarding a supposed insult to the Chief Justice of India.

Nature of Allegations

The FIR claims that the airplane, a Bombardier Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, was unfit for flying. It alleges discrepancies in maintenance records and asserts that aviation safety regulations were violated. Concerns were raised about the pilot’s history, changes to the crew at the last minute, and questionable decisions made during the flight, particularly in poor visibility conditions.

Attempts to Register FIR in Maharashtra

Rohit Pawar expressed frustration over his attempts to file an FIR in Maharashtra, claiming he approached both the Marine Drive and Baramati police stations in late February, only to be told that an Accidental Death Report was under consideration. Subsequently, he took the matter to Bengaluru, where the police registered the zero FIR and then transferred it to the appropriate jurisdiction in Pune for further investigation.

Claims of Criminal Conspiracy and Negligence

The zero FIR filed by Rohit Pawar also points to a broader conspiracy aimed at eliminating Ajit Pawar. The complaint mentions systematic violations of aviation safety norms, record falsification, and gross negligence by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd. Highlighting findings from a prior safety audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, it was stated that the aircraft was “not airworthy” and had previously been grounded.

Concerns Regarding Flight Operations

Rohit Pawar raised questions regarding the aircraft’s operational status, claiming that it may have been flown dangerously close to its overhaul limit with possible suppression of crucial flight data. The complaint also scrutinized a sudden change in runway procedures and the final actions of the crew, suggesting either incapacitation due to alcohol or deliberate inaction by the pilot at a critical moment.

Regulatory Oversight and Investigation

The FIR outlines potential lapses in the procedural certification of the Learjet 45, hinting at possible regulatory failures within the aviation oversight framework. It calls for a detailed criminal investigation that extends beyond the current technical inquiry. The local police have initiated actions pertaining to the case, which is now under the jurisdiction of Pune for detailed examination.

Background of the Incident

The tragic incident, which led to the loss of Ajit Pawar and four others, involved the Bombardier Learjet 45, which was en route from Mumbai to Baramati when it crashed near the airport. The circumstances surrounding the crash are now the focus of a growing investigation.

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