New Delhi: NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar on Saturday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take immediate action against Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu. He said serious doubts have arisen about the role of a company called VSR Ventures, which owned the aircraft involved in the crash that killed former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati on January 28.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, with a copy sent to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rohit Pawar demanded an independent and fair investigation into the alleged links between the aviation minister and the aircraft-owning company.
He said the minister should step down from his post until the investigation is completed so that the probe is not influenced in any way. Rohit Pawar added that there are serious concerns about whether the Directorate General of Civil Aviation acted properly in this matter.
Demand for FIR and CBI Probe
Earlier, on February 18, Rohit Pawar had demanded that the Civil Aviation Minister and senior officials of the aviation regulator step aside. He claimed there was a close connection between the ministry, aviation officials and the company that owned the aircraft.
He said the case should not be treated as an accident but as a serious crime, and demanded that an FIR be filed against the owners of VSR Ventures and the technical staff who had certified the aircraft as fit to fly.
Rohit Pawar also asked for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, saying the state CID does not have enough technical expertise or independence to investigate such a high-profile case fairly.
Allegations of Political and Business Influence
At another press conference, Rohit Pawar claimed that the incident could be part of a “political or business conspiracy.” He alleged that powerful political and corporate interests were protecting the aircraft-owning company.
He further claimed that some people linked to the company had political connections with the Telugu Desam Party and questioned why the Civil Aviation Minister appeared to defend the company soon after the crash.
According to him, only the Prime Minister and Home Minister can now ensure justice in the case.
Questions Over Missing Data and Safety Lapses
Rohit Pawar also raised concerns about technical irregularities. He claimed that the aircraft’s transponder was switched off just before the crash, CCTV footage from the hangar was not being shared, and a backdated safety audit might be prepared to protect the company.
He alleged that the plane used extra fuel tanks and that the main pilot was changed at the last minute, which raises serious safety questions.
He urged Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to raise the issue in Parliament so that the matter is not ignored.
About the Crash
The crash took place in Baramati on January 28, 2026, and involved a Learjet 45 aircraft. Since then, Rohit Pawar has held several press briefings, pointing out what he calls major technical lapses and possible attempts to hide the truth.
