Baramati plane crash: Rohit Pawar says operator has links to ‘powerful’ ruling party figures, flags CVR discrepancy

The crash involved a Bombardier Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures (VSR Aviation)

• Rohit Pawar alleges VSR Aviation has powerful political backing
• He urges PM Modi and Amit Shah to ensure a fair crash probe
• Pawar questions CVR duration and seeks minister's resignation

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NCP (SP) general secretary and MLA Rohit Pawar on Saturday alleged that the private jet operator involved in the Baramati plane crash has connections with “very influential” political and business figures. He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah to ensure fair and transparent probe.

Speaking at a press conference on the crash that killed five people, including Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, the NCP (SP) leader claimed the Delhi-based charter firm VSR Ventures (VSR Aviation) appeared to enjoy backing from powerful individuals, some within state governments and others associated with the ruling party at the Centre.

“The deeper we go into this matter, the more one thing becomes clear: this company called VSR appears to have the support of very influential people. Many of them are in positions of power -- some in state governments, and some linked to the ruling party at the national level,” he said.

“There are also prominent businessmen who are politically connected and reportedly involved with the VSR company. If we talk about conspiracy, there can be two types -- political or commercial. We are trying to determine which of the two is involved in this case. Another point is that certain voices are trying to control the narrative there. However, if this investigation is to receive true justice, then the most powerful leaders in the country -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah -- are the ones who can ensure justice for Ajit (Pawar) Dada,” Pawar added.

VIDEO | Delhi: NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeak) holds a press conference on Baramati air crash, says, "The deeper we go into this matter, the more one thing becomes clear: this company called VSR appears to have the support of very influential people. Many of them are in… pic.twitter.com/v0XKvfq1YO

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 21, 2026

The crash involved a Bombardier Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures (VSR Aviation). The aircraft departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at about 8:10 am on January 28, heading to Baramati. According to the operator, visibility constraints during landing may have played a role.

Pointing to what he called serious discrepancies, Rohit Pawar also raised questions about the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), alleging its recording duration was limited to 30 minutes, in contrast to the two-hour requirement stipulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

“If the aircraft’s CVR could record only 30 minutes, while the rule says it should be two hours, then how was that aircraft registered? That is something we all want to know,” he said.

Rohit Pawar writes to PM 

Pawar on Saturday also wrote to PM Modi demanding that civil aviation minister K Ram Mohan Naidu be asked to resign from the union government till the inquiry into the January 28 plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar is completed.

"You (PM) have always shown respect for Ajitdada and his contribution to the country. In this context, I request that Ram Mohan Naidu be asked to resign from his post until the investigation is completed. This is necessary to ensure there is no influence or interference in examining whether the DGCA was compromised in any manner in relation to VSR," Rohit Pawar said in the letter.