New Delhi: Rohit Pawar suspects 'sabotage' in Ajit Pawar death; blames VSR Ventures for jet crash
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Tuesday alleged the plane crash in Baramati that killed Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar could be an act of sabotage and demanded a comprehensive investigation by an independent agency, including a foreign aviation body.
Rohit, a third-generation leader from the Pawar family — Ajit’s father and Rohit’s grandfather were siblings — raised questions regarding the maintenance practices of VSR Ventures, the company that owned the Learjet 45 aircraft involved in the crash. Rohit is part of the Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party, from which Ajit broke away in July 2023.
Rohit alleged that the firm illegally carried additional fuel tanks to cut costs and that internal communications contained repeated warnings to the pilot regarding his drinking habits.
“Did the plane carry excess fuel tanks? CCTV footage should be scanned to see if they did. Such an act also acts as a bomb,” Rohit said.
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He cited the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) having revoked VSR’s authorisation due to safety concerns. Rohit stated the firm failed to respond to EASA regarding a September 2023 crash in Mumbai.
Despite these concerns, Rohit claimed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) did not initiate action against the firm. He alleged VSR Ventures enjoys a monopoly in the Indian charter aviation sector as it possesses the highest number of Learjet aircraft in the country.
“It was a very unfortunate accident which should not have taken place. We lost one of the most important persons of Maharashtra,” Singh told Hindustan Times.
The NCP(SP) leader, alleged the deceased pilot, Sumit Kapoor, had failed pre-flight alcohol tests in 2010 and 2017. Rohit questioned why the primary pilots, Sahil Madan and Yash, were replaced at the “eleventh hour” allegedly due to traffic.
“Why was the primary pilot replaced? … Was he under the influence of alcohol when he boarded the flight?” Rohit asked.
He claimed VSR Ventures holds a monopoly on Learjet aircraft in India and employs former DGCA officials, suggesting undue influence over the regulator.
Rohit also pointed to suspicious circumstances involving a senior NCP leader whose late arrival for a meeting on January 27 forced Ajit to cancel a road trip. Rohit noted the meeting was called to discuss the contract cancellation of a political consultant who was not delivering “desired outcomes”.
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