The investigation into the fatal plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has taken a new turn as family members raise concerns over technical evidence. Jay Pawar, the younger son of the late leader, questioned the reported damage to the aircraft's black box on Wednesday, while he termed the situation a "possible serious lapse" and called for a transparent probe to reveal the facts behind the incident that occurred near the Baramati airstrip on January 28.
Jay Pawar Questions Black Box Durability
In a statement shared on social media, Jay Pawar expressed skepticism regarding the reports that the flight's black box was severely damaged or burnt, while he noted that black boxes are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures and high-impact crashes, making their failure to provide data a matter of concern. Jay Pawar emphasized that the people of Maharashtra deserve to know the truth and demanded an immediate ban on VSR Ventures Private Limited, the aviation firm that operated the ill-fated Learjet 45XR. He insisted that the firm's safety protocols must be scrutinized under an impartial inquiry.
Role of VSR Ventures Under Scrutiny
The aircraft involved in the accident was under the operational control of VSR Ventures. Jay Pawar has called for a complete halt to the company's operations until the investigation concludes, while the demand for a ban follows allegations of negligence in maintaining safety standards. The crash, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals including Ajit Pawar, has put the spotlight on the regulatory compliance of private aviation operators in India. Authorities are currently reviewing the maintenance logs and operational history of the specific Learjet 45XR involved in the tragedy.
Rohit Pawar Alleges Sabotage and Demands Resignation
Rohit Pawar, MLA and nephew of Ajit Pawar, has been vocal about his suspicions regarding the crash. He has repeatedly suggested the possibility of sabotage and has called for a high-level probe by multiple expert agencies. Rohit Pawar also demanded that Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu step down from his post until the investigation is finalized to ensure there is no administrative interference, while he alleged that there are attempts to shield VSR Ventures from accountability and questioned why the company has not faced stricter action following the incident.
Pilot's Professional Record and AAIB Progress
The professional history of the pilot, Captain Sumit Kapoor, has also come under intense scrutiny. Reports indicate that Captain Kapoor had previously faced a three-year suspension due to issues related to alcohol consumption. This revelation has led to questions about the hiring practices and fitness monitoring systems of the aviation company. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has stated that the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) of the Learjet 45 sustained significant damage. The bureau is reportedly seeking specialized international assistance to retrieve data from the device, which is crucial for reconstructing the final moments of the flight.
Demands for CBI Probe and Political Developments
Following the concerns raised by the family, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. During the meeting, they formally requested a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the crash. The delegation urged the government to ensure that all aspects, including the technical failure of the black box and the pilot's background, are investigated by a central agency. The state government is currently evaluating the request as the AAIB continues its technical assessment of the wreckage.