'Close relations with VSR Aviation': Rohit Pawar seeks Aviation minister's resignation over plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar

Rohit Pawar cast doubts on the reports about potential damage to the aircraft's black box

• Rohit Pawar demands Aviation Minister's resignation over crash
• He claims TDP ties could impact Ajit Pawar plane crash investigation
• Calls DGCA probe farcical, seeks multi-agency investigation

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Rohit Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader and veteran politician Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew, demanded the resignation of Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu for the plane crash that killed his uncle and Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

According to a report in the NDTV, Rohit Pawar said the ‘investigation may not proceed in the right direction’ given the Telegu Desam Party (TDP) leader’s ‘close relations’ with VSR Aviation, the company whose aircraft was involved in the crash.

Speaking to the media, Rohit Pawar said, "... The owner of VSR Aviation recently held his son’s wedding in Jaipur, Rajasthan, which was attended by a main leader of the TDP. The Aviation Minister belongs to that party.”

#WATCH | Mumbai: On Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Case, NCP leader Rohit Pawar says, "... The owner of VSR Aviation recently held his son’s wedding in Jaipur, Rajasthan, which was attended by a main leader of the TDP. The Aviation Minister belongs to that party. If they can attend the… pic.twitter.com/vBbUPIBqlZ

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2026

The NCP (SP) leader also raised doubts about the circumstances under which the flight took off from Mumbai. With reports claiming that the plane's fuel tank was full, Rohit Pawar said there was no need to carry excess fuel and alleged that refuelling could have been done in Hyderabad if required.

As per the NDTV report, Rohit Pawar also cast doubts on the reports about potential damage to the aircraft's black box, saying flight recorders are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and pressure.

According to Rohit Pawar, the aircraft had nearly exhausted its designated flying hours and alleged that it may have exceeded safe operational limits. He demanded clarity on maintenance records, ownership history, and the circumstances under which the aircraft was registered in India.

Calling the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) probe into the matter "farcical", Rohit Pawar demanded a multi-agency probe into the crash since the regulator itself is under the Aviation Ministry. "How can we expect a fair probe when those investigating have proximity to those being questioned?" he asked.

Earlier, Rohit Pawar had given a detailed presentation, alleging how efforts were being made to shield VSR Aviation.

Responding to Rohit Pawar’s allegation, a senior DGCA official said, "The crash is under investigation by the respective body concerned. The investigation will reveal what happened.”

The crash occurred on January 28 near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district when the Learjet 45 aircraft, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, was attempting to land. The flight from Mumbai was carrying five people, including Ajit Pawar, and his security personnel.