Jay Pawar, son of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has posted a purported video on social media alleging that Rohit Singh, owner of VSR Ventures, was seen asleep in the chief pilot’s seat during a flight.
He has called for Singh’s immediate arrest.
He further urged authorities to ground all aircraft operated by VSR Ventures until the investigation into his father’s plane crash is concluded.
The Learjet 45 that crashed on January 28 in Baramati, Pune district, carrying Ajit Pawar and four others, was operated by VSR Ventures.
Watch | Ajit Pawar`s son shares video of VSR Ventures owner asleep during flight
Sharing the clip on social media on Sunday, Jay Pawar stated, “We lost our father… this pain will stay with us for a lifetime. In this video, Rohit Singh, owner of VSR, is seen asleep in the chief pilot’s seat during the flight. Such negligence while the aircraft is in the air is unacceptable. This is extremely serious and shocking.”
He demanded that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take immediate and strict action in the matter.
“All VSR aircraft must be grounded with immediate effect until a complete investigation is conducted, and Rohit Singh should be arrested without delay and subjected to stringent legal action. This is a son’s anguished appeal… for my father and for the safety of every passenger,” he said.
Jay Pawar slams preliminary AAIB report, says it lacks details
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday released its preliminary report on the plane crash, stating that visibility at the time of the crash was below the required level.
According to PTI, the report flagged fading runway markings and the presence of loose gravel on the runway surface at Baramati. It recommended that the DGCA ensure stakeholders maintain safety standards at uncontrolled airfields.
Jay Pawar expressed disappointment over the AAIB report.
“I read the preliminary report. I feel pain and disappointment that the report was not detailed or comprehensive.
The people of Maharashtra and the families who lost their loved ones in the accident deserve transparent information about the plane crash, and all questions should be answered,” he added.
Jay Pawar demands action against entire fleet of VSR Ventures
The late NCP leader’s younger son also demanded strict action against the entire fleet of VSR Ventures, reported PTI.
“The DGCA grounded some VSR aircraft based on certain loopholes. The possibility cannot be ruled out that other aircraft may also have similar loopholes,” he said, reported PTI.
“If serious discrepancies are found in adherence to rules and SOPs, then instead of taking action against only some aircraft, action should be taken against the entire fleet,” he demanded.
He added that the DGCA, while giving topmost priority to passenger safety, should consider halting the entire operations of VSR Ventures.
(With PTI inputs)
%20set%20to%20contest%20seat:%20Aaditya ){kind=link}
