MUMBAI — The political landscape of Maharashtra remains in a state of high tension following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, NCP (Sharad Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar leveled explosive allegations, suggesting the crash was no mere accident but a potential act of sabotage.
Addressing a press conference at the Y.B. Chavan Centre, Rohit Pawar demanded a comprehensive investigation by independent international agencies, including the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), to ensure a transparent probe into the January 28 disaster.
1. Allegations Against VSR Ventures
Rohit Pawar directed his scrutiny toward VSR Ventures, the company that owned and operated the ill-fated Learjet 45.
- “Flying Bombs”: Rohit alleged that the firm used illegal additional fuel tanks to reduce operational costs. “CCTV footage should be scanned. Such an act transforms a plane into a bomb,” he stated.
- Safety Red Flags: He noted that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had previously revoked VSR’s authorization and that the firm reportedly failed to respond to queries regarding a previous crash in Mumbai in September 2023.
- DGCA Monopoly: Rohit accused VSR Ventures of enjoying a monopoly in India’s charter sector by employing former DGCA officials to bypass regulatory action.
2. The “Eleventh-Hour” Pilot Swap
A significant portion of the allegations centered on the flight crew.
- The Pilot’s History: Rohit questioned the track record of the deceased pilot, Sumit Kapoor, claiming he had failed alcohol tests in 2010 and 2017. He asked if Kapoor was under the influence when he boarded the flight.
- Last-Minute Changes: Rohit demanded to know why the primary pilots, Sahil Madan and Yash, were replaced shortly before takeoff, allegedly due to “traffic” issues.
3. Suspicious Political Circumstances
Rohit Pawar also highlighted curious events leading up to the crash on January 27:
- The Cancelled Road Trip: Ajit Pawar had reportedly planned a road trip, which was cancelled in favor of the flight due to a last-minute meeting called by a senior NCP leader.
- The Meeting Agenda: The meeting was purportedly about the contract cancellation of a political consultant. Rohit questioned the timing and the “late arrival” of leaders that forced the change in travel plans.
4. Official Response: VSR Ventures and DGCA
| Entity | Response / Action |
| V.K. Singh (VSR Owner) | Rejected sabotage claims; stated the plane was VVIP-ready and had flown Ajit Pawar safely on Jan 24. |
| DGCA | Announced a Special Safety Audit of all non-scheduled (charter) operators starting Feb 9. |
| Union Minister Athawale | Stated there is “no foul play” visible initially but agreed a deep investigation is necessary. |
5. Summary of the Baramati Tragedy
The crash on January 28, 2026, claimed five lives:
- Ajit Pawar (Deputy CM, Maharashtra)
- Vidhit Jadhav (Personal Security Officer)
- Sumit Kapoor (Pilot-in-Command)
- Shambhavi Pathak (First Officer)
- Pinky Mali (Cabin Crew)
The incident marks a somber chapter for the Pawar family, which has been politically divided since Ajit Pawar broke away from his uncle Sharad Pawar in July 2023.