The tragic air crash on January 28, 2026, near Baramati, which claimed the life of Maharashtra’s former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Rohit Pawar, an NCP (SP) leader and nephew of the late Ajit Pawar, held a press conference on February 10, 2026, at Mumbai’s Yashwantrao Chavan Centre to address mounting public doubts. The event, scheduled for 4 PM, promised to unveil “important and eye-opening points” about the crash, including last-minute flight changes, potential sabotage, and systemic failures in aviation safety.
Main Points Raised by Rohit Pawar
Unusual Circumstances Surrounding the Crash
- Last-Minute Flight Changes: Ajit Pawar had plans to travel on the evening of January 27 after a cabinet meeting, and his convoy was ready to go. But a late-night event caused the meeting to be postponed, which led to the plane being booked later than it should have been. “Ajitdada was scheduled to take off at 7 am, but the plane actually left at 8:10 am,” he said. The sudden change in pilots—replacing Sahil Madan and Yash with Sumit Kapoor, who had a history of alcohol-related violations—raised red flags.
- Technical Anomalies:
- The aircraft’s transponder was switched off at 8:43 AM, one minute before the crash, erasing critical flight data.
- Suspicions of illegal fuel tank modifications, which could have acted as an explosive.
- Eyewitness reports of abnormal engine sounds, yet undisclosed technical logbooks.
Maintenance and Regulatory Failures
- Aircraft Condition: The Learjet, owned by VSR Company, was allegedly in faulty mechanical condition, with a non-operational stall warning system.
- Lax Maintenance: Routine checks were neglected, and the DGCA’s delayed final report hints at deeper irregularities.
- Regulatory Oversight: The DGCA failed to act on prior safety concerns, including revoking VSR Airlines’ license despite evidence of negligence.
Political Conspiracy Theories
- Opposition leaders, including NCP (SP) MP Bajrang Sonawane and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut, speculated about foul play, suggesting a bomb onboard or sensitive political documents.
- Rohit Pawar referenced the book Rise and Kill First, implying the crash was a premeditated act to eliminate a rival.
Demands for an Independent Probe
- International Involvement: Rohit urged agencies like the UK’s AAIB, France’s BEA, or US NTSB to investigate, citing distrust in the DGCA due to past cover-ups.
- Court Oversight: Legislators demanded immediate securing of CCTV footage and pilot records to prevent evidence tampering.
Broader Implications
Aviation Safety Crisis
The crash exposes systemic flaws in India’s aviation sector, including:
- Inadequate maintenance protocols.
- Lack of qualified personnel and oversight.
- Failure of communication systems during emergencies.
Political Turmoil
The incident has deepened factional tensions within the NCP, with Sharad Pawar dismissing conspiracies while the family demands accountability. The timing, amid Maharashtra’s volatile political landscape, fuels suspicions of engineered sabotage.
Public Trust Erosion
The absence of transparency and delays in investigations have eroded faith in governmental institutions, underscoring the need for reforms in aviation governance and accident probes.
A Call for Justice
Rohit Pawar’s press conference was not just a tribute to Ajit Dada but a clarion call for truth. The nation awaits answers: Was this a tragic accident or a calculated crime? A fair, multi-agency probe is imperative to restore credibility and ensure such a catastrophe never repeats. As Maharashtra mourns, the quest for justice must transcend political divides, honoring the legacy of a leader whose death remains shrouded in mystery.
लाईव्ह |📍मुंबई | पत्रकारांशी संवाद |🗓️10-02-2026 https://t.co/9XAKinUZZx
— Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) February 10, 2026
Final Note
This presentation marks a turning point in India’s aviation and political history. Whether it brings the truth to light or deepens the mystery, one thing is clear, the fight for transparency is far from over.
Also Read: