Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: Rohit Pawar Files Zero FIR in Bengaluru, Alleges Larger Conspiracy

The investigation into the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of senior Maharashtra leader Ajit Pawar has taken a new turn. His nephew, Rohit Pawar, has filed a zero FIR in Bengaluru, raising serious allegations of negligence, regulatory violations, and a possible criminal conspiracy.

The crash occurred on January 28 near Baramati airport in Maharashtra, when a Bombardier Learjet 45 aircraft, operated by a private firm, went down while en route from Mumbai. Along with Ajit Pawar, four others lost their lives in the incident.

What Is a Zero FIR?

A zero FIR is a type of First Information Report that can be filed at any police station, regardless of where the incident took place. It is initially registered with a serial number ‘0’ and later transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction for investigation.

Why Was the FIR Filed in Bengaluru?

Rohit Pawar lodged the complaint at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru, claiming that his earlier attempts to register an FIR in Maharashtra were unsuccessful.

According to him, he approached both the Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai and the Baramati Police Station in February, but no formal FIR was registered. Authorities reportedly limited the probe to an accidental death report (ADR), prompting him to seek legal recourse elsewhere.

He cited a recent precedent where a zero FIR was filed in Karnataka over an incident that occurred in Delhi, arguing that similar legal provisions should apply in this case.

Allegations of Criminal Conspiracy

In his complaint, Rohit Pawar has alleged that the crash was not merely an accident but part of a “larger criminal conspiracy.” The FIR invokes multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to culpable homicide, negligence, and endangering life.

The complaint points to several alleged irregularities, including:

• Unsafe and potentially unairworthy aircraft
• Fabricated maintenance and safety records
• Systematic violations of aviation safety norms
• Suspicious last-minute crew changes
• Questionable flight decisions under low visibility conditions

Concerns Over Aircraft and Operator

The aircraft involved, a Bombardier Learjet 45, was reportedly operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd. Rohit Pawar has claimed that the jet was “not airworthy” and had previously been grounded following a safety audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

He further alleged that the aircraft was operating dangerously close to its overhaul limits and that critical flight data may have been suppressed.

Questions Over Pilot and Crew

The FIR also raises concerns about the pilot and crew. Rohit Pawar questioned the sudden change in crew members, calling the explanation “implausible.”

He also alleged that the chief pilot had a history of alcohol-related violations and pointed to unusual behavior during the flight, including silence in the final moments and unexplained delays.

These factors, according to the complaint, raise the possibility of either incapacitation or deliberate inaction.

Demand for Comprehensive Investigation

While a technical investigation into the crash is already underway, Rohit Pawar has demanded a full-fledged criminal probe into the incident. The FIR highlights procedural lapses in aircraft certification and calls for accountability from both the operator and regulatory authorities.

Following the filing of the zero FIR, Bengaluru Police have transferred the case to Pune for further investigation, as per jurisdictional norms.

What Happens Next?

With the case now moved to Maharashtra authorities, the investigation is expected to expand beyond technical causes to examine possible criminal angles.

The allegations of conspiracy, if substantiated, could significantly alter the course of the probe and lead to wider scrutiny of aviation safety practices in the country.

Conclusion

The filing of a zero FIR by Rohit Pawar has added a new dimension to the investigation into the Baramati plane crash. What was initially treated as an accident is now being scrutinized under allegations of negligence and conspiracy.

As authorities begin a deeper probe, the case could have far-reaching implications for aviation safety, regulatory oversight, and accountability in India.