Political winds shifted in New Delhi as Rohit Pawar, NCP (SP) MLA and nephew of the late Ajit Pawar, conferred with Rahul Gandhi over the shadowy circumstances of the Baramati plane tragedy. The Thursday powwow amplifies demands for accountability in the probe that has lingered since early 2026.
Gandhi posted the meeting image on X, alongside Pawar’s communique expressing profound unease. ‘Concerns over the Baramati crash probe—no FIR, breaching law’s basics. Needs impartial, clear-eyed scrutiny,’ he noted.
The Learjet 45 (VT-SSK), managed by VSR Ventures, met doom on January 28 while landing from Mumbai at Baramati’s rudimentary field. Five fatalities ensued immediately: Ajit Pawar, PSO Vidyip Jadhav, two aviators, one crew.
Probe preliminaries from AAIB flagged 3km visibility shortfall, deficient infrastructure, pilot errors, faded markings—pushing DGCA for VFR clampdowns.
Pawar challenges this, alleging conspiracy with surplus fuel, successive detonations, and shielding of company and officials. He furnished Gandhi an exhaustive evidence compendium, soliciting Lok Sabha advocacy.
On X, Pawar lauded the encounter: ‘Handed detailed dossier to Rahul Gandhi ji on Ajitdada’s suspicious crash. Thankful for his pledge—a beacon with a sacrificial family legacy.’ Echoing a prior DMK MP briefing.
Opposition consolidation signals escalating scrutiny on regulatory failures, igniting a broader discourse on air safety. A resolute inquiry looms as imperative for justice and reform.