Investigation Intensifies into Baramati Plane Crash Involving Ajit Pawar

The investigation into the Baramati plane crash that resulted in the death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is gaining momentum. The Maharashtra CID has pledged a thorough inquiry, while the Pawar family and NCP leaders are demanding a criminal case against the aircraft operator, VSR Ventures. Allegations of police inaction and potential cover-ups have surfaced, raising concerns about accountability. As the family seeks justice, the political implications of the crash continue to unfold, keeping the issue in the public eye.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 26, 2026, 16:44 IST

Significant Developments in Baramati Plane Crash Investigation

The investigation into the tragic plane crash in Baramati, which claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has reached a critical juncture. The Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID) has committed to conducting a thorough and professional inquiry into the incident. Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar's family and leaders from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have escalated their demands for a criminal case against the aircraft operating company.

CID's Assurance of a Comprehensive Investigation

The CID is diligently investigating the unfortunate plane crash that occurred on January 28 in Baramati, resulting in the deaths of Ajit Pawar and four others. Officials emphasized that their primary objective is to determine whether there was any sabotage or criminal negligence associated with the Learjet-45 operated by VSR Ventures. The CID teams have already gathered substantial evidence from the crash site in Pune district, demonstrating their commitment to meticulously examining all factors involved.

Family Demands FIR Against Aircraft Operator

In a significant move, NCP MLA Rohit Pawar and his cousin Yugendra Pawar approached the Baramati taluka police station on Thursday, seeking to file an FIR against VSR Ventures and its directors. Holding placards demanding "justice" for Ajit Pawar, they submitted a formal complaint similar to one previously filed by Rohit Pawar at the Marine Drive police station in Mumbai. Yugendra Pawar highlighted the grounding of four VSR aircraft due to recent violations of safety regulations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), viewing it as evidence of potential criminal negligence.

Allegations of Delays and Cover-Up

Rohit Pawar accused the Mumbai police of refusing to file an FIR, claiming this raises suspicions about the circumstances surrounding the crash and suggests that the government is protecting those responsible. He posted on X, stating, "The police's behavior has only heightened our suspicions," and vowed that supporters would rally in Baramati to press their demands. The initial accidental death report from Baramati has been transferred to CID Pune, but the family insists that an FIR is essential if negligence is confirmed, especially since the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has yet to release its preliminary report.

Urgency for Justice Amid Political Tensions

Yugendra Pawar, who is contesting against his uncle Ajit in the upcoming 2024 elections on an NCP ticket, emphasized the need for swift justice. Following the crash, a thorough investigation into VSR Ventures' operations has commenced, with DGCA reports indicating deficiencies in flight capability and safety. While the CID continues to collect evidence, the family's demands and the surrounding political tensions keep the investigation at the forefront of public concern.