New CCTV Footage Of Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Sparks Questions, DGCA Orders Wider Audit
New CCTV Footage Of Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Sparks Questions, DGCA Orders Wider Audit
Rohit Pawar alleges serious safety lapses and demands an independent probe as fresh video emerges from Baramati crash site.
A fresh CCTV video of the tragic aircraft crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others has surfaced, intensifying political and public scrutiny around the incident.
The new footage, reportedly captured near the runway in Baramati, was presented by MLA Rohit Pawar during a press conference in Mumbai on February 10. The visuals show the aircraft crashing at high speed close to the runway, raising fresh concerns over visibility conditions, operational clearances and the overall safety standards of the charter service involved.
Five people, including Ajit Pawar, the co-pilot, pilot, a flight attendant and a security officer, died in the crash. While the incident was initially registered as an accidental death case by Pune rural police, it was later transferred to the CID for further investigation.
Rohit Pawar, MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed constituency and nephew of Ajit Pawar, said he had gathered information from “various sources” and expressed suspicion that the crash may not have been a simple accident. He questioned the role of the aircraft-owning company VSR Aviation, the handler company Arrow, and decisions taken by the chief pilot.
“The investigating agency should examine maintenance records. Why was this company allowed to operate despite prior crashes and violations? The CID handling the case lacks technical expertise for aviation investigation,” Rohit Pawar said, demanding that a foreign accident investigation agency from countries such as the US, UK or France be involved to ensure an independent and fair probe.
Responding to the allegations, Capt VK Singh, owner of VSR Aviation, said, “It was a very unfortunate accident. Visibility was low, and the pilots could have diverted. The aircraft was airworthy.”
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an audit of fourteen more charter airline services, including VSR, beginning February 4. The regulator also announced the list of audited firms publicly, signalling a wider crackdown on safety compliance in the charter aviation sector.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and DGCA have already initiated a formal probe into the crash. Authorities have said all angles, including technical failure, operational lapses and procedural clearances, will be examined.
The incident has triggered a major stir in Maharashtra, with demands growing for transparency and accountability in the investigation, given the high-profile nature of the loss.
