Rohit Pawar claims Ajit Pawar's travel was unplanned, probes sabotage in crash

In a press conference held on February 10, 2026, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rohit Pawar expressed significant doubts regarding the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28, 2026. Pawar claimed that Ajit Pawar's travel on that fateful day was not pre-planned and that his uncle was always cautious about flying. He further alleged that the incident was not a mere accident but potentially a conspiracy, citing several unanswered questions and anomalies surrounding the crash. Rohit Pawar pointed to a change in Ajit Pawar's travel itinerary as a cause for suspicion. Initially, Ajit Pawar was scheduled to travel by road from Mumbai to Pune on the evening of January 27, with his convoy even prepared. However, this plan was altered due to a meeting with a senior leader, leading to the travel being shifted to the morning of January 28. Pawar questioned why Ajit Pawar opted for air travel instead of his original road journey, especially given his cautious nature regarding flights. Several technical and procedural questions were raised by Rohit Pawar during the press conference. He highlighted the unavailability of transponder details for the last minute of the flight and questioned why the transponder was shut down at 8:43 AM. The absence of the main pilot's voice recording was also a point of concern. Pawar also raised doubts about the maintenance of the aircraft, questioning the technical log, airworthiness report, and who performed the routine checks. He even suggested the possibility of excess fuel tanks being on board, which could act as a bomb, and questioned if the pilot was directed to save fuel or take another roundabout. Further fueling the suspicion of sabotage, Pawar referenced a book that suggests targeting a driver's safety can lead to an attack and questioned the circumstances of Ajit Pawar's final flight. He also raised concerns about the pilot, Sumit Kapoor, suggesting a past suspension for alcohol consumption. Pawar demanded that the investigation be handed over to multiple expert agencies, including international bodies like the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis (BEA), and the UK-based Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), in addition to Indian agencies. He argued that the Crime Investigation Department (CID) alone might not have sufficient authority for a thorough probe. The official investigation into the crash is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The black box and voice recorders have been recovered, and a detailed technical probe is underway. The cause of the crash has been attributed to low visibility and heavy fog, with CCTV footage showing the aircraft losing control and crashing. While the official investigation proceeds, Rohit Pawar's press conference has brought renewed attention to the lingering doubts and calls for a more comprehensive and potentially international inquiry into the tragic event. The Hindu, Deccan Herald, Swarajyamag, ThePrint, and Deccan Herald are credible Indian news outlets that have covered this story. Rohit Pawar's press conference on February 10, 2026, comes after the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in Maharashtra were deferred following Ajit Pawar's death. The initial reports of the crash on January 28, 2026, stated that the Learjet 45XR, operated by VSR Ventures, crashed due to low visibility and heavy fog while attempting a second approach to runway 11 at Baramati Airport. All five occupants, including Ajit Pawar, were killed. Rohit Pawar's call for a broader investigation, including international agencies, underscores the high level of public concern and the desire for complete transparency in determining the cause of the crash. The claims of sabotage and conspiracy, if substantiated, would have significant political ramifications. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited. The sources consulted for this verification include The Hindu, Deccan Herald, Swarajyamag, ThePrint, Deccan Herald, WION, ETV Bharat, and Wikipedia. These are generally considered reputable sources for news and information. The specific dates of publication for the related articles are crucial for understanding the timeline of events and the evolution of the narrative. The Hindu published its article on February 10, 2026. Deccan Herald also reported on February 10, 2026. Swarajyamag and ThePrint have also published related content around the same time. The information provided by Rohit Pawar during his press conference on February 10, 2026, is the core of the article's claims. It is important to note that while Rohit Pawar has raised these questions and suspicions, the official investigation by aviation authorities is still ongoing. The claims made by Rohit Pawar are currently allegations and have not been independently verified by the investigative bodies. However, his position as a prominent political figure lends weight to his concerns and ensures they are being taken seriously.

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