Thu Feb 26 06:37:31 UTC 2026: ### Pawar Family Demands Investigation into Ajit Pawar Plane Crash, Alleging Negligence

The Story:
On February 26, 2026, NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar and his cousin Yugendra Pawar filed a complaint with the Baramati police, seeking a First Information Report (FIR) against VSR Ventures concerning the January 28, 2026 plane crash that resulted in the death of former Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. This action follows Rohit Pawar’s earlier attempt to file a similar complaint in Mumbai, which was reportedly forwarded to the State Crime Investigation Department (CID). The Pawar family alleges criminal negligence on the part of VSR Ventures, the operator of the crashed Learjet-45.

Key Points:

  • Rohit Pawar and Yugendra Pawar filed a complaint seeking an FIR against VSR Ventures at the Baramati Taluka police station on February 26, 2026.
  • The complaint is related to the January 28, 2026 plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar.
  • Rohit Pawar had previously filed a similar complaint in Mumbai, which was forwarded to the State CID.
  • The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had grounded four aircraft of VSR Ventures due to non-compliance issues.
  • Yugendra Pawar claims the DGCA report points to criminal negligence by VSR Ventures.
  • Rohit Pawar alleges the Mumbai police refused to register an FIR, intensifying suspicions.
  • The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is yet to issue its preliminary report.

Critical Analysis

The Pawar family’s pursuit of an FIR suggests a deep distrust in the existing investigation and a belief that criminal negligence contributed to Ajit Pawar’s death. The DGCA’s grounding of VSR Ventures’ aircraft lends some credence to their concerns. The initial registration of an accidental death report, followed by the transfer to the CID, indicates an attempt to treat the matter as a simple accident, which the family is now actively resisting. The accusation that Mumbai police refused to register an FIR adds another layer of suspicion.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pawar family is actively challenging the official narrative surrounding Ajit Pawar’s death.
  • The DGCA’s findings of non-compliance by VSR Ventures provide a basis for potential negligence claims.
  • The political pressure exerted by Rohit Pawar and his supporters highlights the sensitive nature of the investigation.
  • The delay in the AAIB report contributes to the ongoing uncertainty and speculation.
  • The incident reveals potential conflicts of interest and challenges in impartially investigating the death of a prominent political figure.

Impact Analysis:

This event could have significant political ramifications in Maharashtra. The public perception of the investigation’s fairness and transparency is crucial. If the investigation confirms negligence, it could lead to legal action against VSR Ventures and potentially damage the reputation of individuals or entities connected to the company. The incident could also fuel political rivalries within the state, particularly given the family’s split between different political parties. The handling of this case will likely be closely watched by the public and media, potentially influencing future aviation safety regulations and accountability measures.

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