A Zero FIR filed in Bengaluru suggests a larger criminal conspiracy behind the January 28, 2026, plane crash near Baramati Airport in Maharashtra that claimed the life of then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The complaint, lodged by NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Rajendra Pawar, nephew of the deceased, asserts that the crash was a deliberate plot to eliminate Ajit Pawar. It aims to name all involved parties as accused.
The FIR, filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), highlights the delayed filing due to unsuccessful attempts in Maharashtra, leading to the Zero FIR in Bengaluru. The crash involved a Bombardier Learjet 45 aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, en route from Mumbai to Baramati, resulting in the loss of all five individuals on board. The complaint calls for a separate criminal investigation apart from the technical probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Allegations in the FIR point to negligence and unairworthiness of the VSR aircraft, with claims of falsified maintenance records and unsafe aircraft usage. Concerns are raised regarding weather conditions during landing, questioning the clearance granted despite visibility below the required limit. The complaint also questions the certification process of the aircraft and highlights the background of Chief Pilot Sumit Kapoor, citing past violations and a last-minute crew change before the flight.
Operational irregularities during landing, including a sudden runway change and lack of emergency response, are noted in the complaint. The overall narrative suggests a series of violations, negligence, and a potential criminal conspiracy, urging action against those deemed responsible.
