Rohit Pawar to Launch Private Investigation Into Ajit Pawar’s Plane Crash Amid Probe Delays

Maharashtra leader Rohit Pawar seeks a private investigation into the Ajit Pawar plane crash, citing delays and doubts in official probes; calls for transparency and swift answers.

Pune | 16 February, 2026- In a significant political development in Maharashtra, NCP leader Rohit Pawar has announced that he will initiate a private investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of senior leader Ajit Pawar and four others earlier this year. The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the pace and transparency of the official aviation probe into the fatal accident near Baramati in Pune district.

The tragic crash occurred on January 28, 2026, when a private Learjet carrying Ajit Pawar and his team went down shortly before landing at Baramati’s airstrip. Apart from the veteran politician, the crash claimed the lives of two pilots, a flight attendant, and a security personnel. The incident sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political landscape, triggering an outpouring of grief and calls for a thorough investigation.

While aviation authorities have initiated a formal inquiry, Rohit Pawar has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the speed and clarity of the ongoing probe. According to him, crucial aspects such as flight data, cockpit communication records, technical maintenance logs, and air traffic coordination need deeper scrutiny. He stated that a private investigation, led by independent aviation experts, would help ensure that all technical and operational factors are examined comprehensively.

Rohit Pawar has also written to senior central authorities, including officials in the civil aviation and home ministries, requesting a transparent and time-bound inquiry. In his communication, he reportedly highlighted concerns about possible gaps in the preliminary findings and emphasized the need for public accountability in a case involving a high-profile political leader. He has maintained that his move is not meant to undermine official agencies but to supplement the process and provide additional clarity.

The crash has raised broader questions about aviation safety standards, particularly at smaller and uncontrolled airstrips. Experts note that investigations in such cases typically examine weather conditions, pilot decision-making, aircraft mechanical integrity, and air traffic coordination. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are expected to analyze black box data, radar logs, and aircraft maintenance records before releasing a detailed report.

Political observers believe Rohit Pawar’s decision reflects both personal anguish and public pressure for swift answers. Ajit Pawar was a prominent political figure with decades of influence in Maharashtra politics, and the circumstances surrounding his sudden demise have naturally drawn intense public scrutiny. Supporters argue that an independent technical review could help dispel rumors and prevent speculation, while critics caution that parallel investigations should not interfere with official procedures.

The Maharashtra government has urged patience, stating that aviation accident investigations require time due to their technical complexity. Authorities have reiterated that findings will be made public once the analysis is complete. However, Rohit Pawar’s announcement has intensified the debate over transparency and the need for faster disclosures in high-profile accident cases.

If the private investigation proceeds, it is likely to focus on reconstructing the final moments of the flight, reviewing pilot communication patterns, and evaluating aircraft performance data. Aviation safety specialists say that independent reviews, when conducted professionally, can sometimes provide additional perspectives that strengthen overall accountability.

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