NCP legislator Rohit Pawar has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take swift action against Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu. Pawar raised concerns about VSR Ventures, the company linked to the minister, in connection with the plane crash that claimed the life of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati on January 28.
Pawar, in a letter to the Prime Minister and copied to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requested an independent investigation into the alleged ties between the minister and VSR Ventures, the aircraft’s owner. He emphasized the need for the minister to step down during the investigation to prevent any potential influence on the examination of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s involvement with VSR.
On February 18, Pawar had previously urged the Civil Aviation Minister and DGCA officials to step aside amidst the crash controversy. He highlighted a perceived connection between the ministry, DGCA, and VSR Ventures, accusing the current leadership of bias and shielding the company.
Pawar also pushed for the case to be treated as culpable homicide rather than an accident, advocating for a formal FIR against VSR Ventures owners and the technical staff responsible for the aircraft’s airworthiness. He called for a CBI probe, citing the involvement of a high-profile figure and the aviation sector under Union control, suggesting that the state CID lacked the necessary expertise and impartiality for a fair investigation.
At a subsequent press conference, Pawar presented a detailed report suggesting a potential political or commercial conspiracy behind the crash. He alleged that VSR Ventures enjoyed protection from influential political and business figures, with ties to the Telugu Desam Party.
Expressing concerns over missing technical data and alleged tampering with evidence, Pawar questioned the Minister’s statements supporting the company post-crash. He emphasized the need for justice for Ajit Pawar, urging the Prime Minister and Home Minister to intervene.
Pawar also highlighted discrepancies such as the aircraft’s transponder being turned off before the crash and alleged withholding of hangar CCTV footage. He called for Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi to address the issue in Parliament to prevent suppression of the truth.
The Learjet 45 crash in Baramati on January 28, 2026, has prompted a series of briefings by Rohit Pawar, who has raised technical concerns including excess fuel tank usage and a last-minute change in the main pilot.
