NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar and his cousin Yugendra Pawar on Thursday approached the Baramati Taluka police station, seeking registration of an FIR against VSR Ventures in connection with the January 28 plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, reported news agency PTI.
The duo submitted a written complaint backed by a large number of supporters, many of whom held placards demanding “justice” for the late leader. Yugendra Pawar told reporters that the family and supporters want a thorough investigation and accountability in the case, reported PTI.
Fresh push after Mumbai complaint
The development comes a day after Rohit Pawar lodged a similar complaint at the Marine Drive police station in Mumbai against VSR Ventures and its directors. However, he later alleged that Mumbai Police did not register an FIR and instead forwarded the complaint to the Crime Investigation Department (CID), citing jurisdictional reasons.
“The conduct of the police has intensified our suspicion regarding the crash,” Rohit Pawar said in a post, alleging that authorities were reluctant to act despite demands from leaders across political parties, reported PTI.
DGCA action and allegations of negligence
VSR Ventures operated the ill-fated Learjet-45 aircraft involved in the crash in Baramati. Earlier this week, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the grounding of four aircraft operated by the company, citing non-compliance with safety and operational norms.
Yugendra Pawar claimed that the DGCA findings pointed towards “criminal negligence” on the part of the firm. “If negligence is established, an FIR must be registered against the company,” he said, reported PTI.
Probe underway, preliminary report awaited
Following the crash, an accidental death report was initially registered at the Baramati police station, and the case was subsequently transferred to the state CID for further investigation.
Authorities are currently examining all aspects of the incident, while the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is yet to release its preliminary findings.
The crash, which also claimed the lives of four others on board, has triggered political reactions and demands for a transparent probe. With mounting pressure from the Pawar family and supporters, the focus remains on whether a formal FIR will be registered and if accountability will be fixed once investigation reports are made public.
(With inputs from PTI)
