In a major escalation of the investigation into the Baramati plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, NCP MLC Amol Mitkari has leveled serious allegations against the chartered flight company, VSR Ventures.
On Monday, March 9, 2026, Mitkari claimed to have evidence of witness intimidation, suggesting the incident is “more complex” than a simple technical failure.
Key Allegations by Amol Mitkari
After visiting the hospital to meet the mother of deceased flight attendant Pinky Mali, Mitkari detailed several points of suspicion:
- Recorded Threats: Mitkari claimed he heard a recorded WhatsApp call in which VSR owner VK Singh allegedly warned Pinky Mali’s brother to “stay away from the media.”
- Suspicious Pilot Audio: He highlighted a cryptic remark reportedly made by a pilot: “Ajit Pawar ne inke flight ko thok diya” (Ajit Pawar hit their flight). Mitkari questioned if this terminology suggests a deeper connection to the underworld or a deliberate act.
- The “Underworld” Angle: In a post on X, Mitkari wrote, “Our Dada (Ajit Pawar) has been wronged,” directly questioning whether VSR Ventures has questionable affiliations.
Family Demands Justice
The family of Pinky Mali, who was among the five people killed in the February crash, has been vocal about their doubts since the incident.
- Parents’ Plea: Pinky’s father, Shivkumar Mali, has called for a probe into potential foul play, echoing concerns raised by Rohit Pawar.
- Emotional Appeal: Pinky’s mother, Maya, who has been hospitalized for nearly two weeks, made an emotional appeal for justice, stating that the political context of the flight makes the crash highly suspicious.
Political Context & Investigation
The crash, which occurred in Baramati, remains the subject of a high-profile investigation. While early reports pointed to atmospheric conditions or technical snags, the sustained pressure from both the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) and the Opposition has turned it into a massive political flashpoint.
- Rohit Pawar’s Role: Ajit Pawar’s nephew, Rohit Pawar, recently met with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to seek support for a more transparent, perhaps central, investigation into the tragedy.