CID Probes Sabotage, Negligence Angle in Ajit Pawar Plane Crash

Mumbai: The Maharashtra CID on Thursday said it was investigating whether sabotage or criminal negligence led to the crash of Ajit Pawar’s plane. Additional Director General (CID) Sunil Ramanand said the ministry will incorporate the findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau in its investigation after the agency submits its report. The statement came after Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Rohit Pawar’s demand for an FIR to be registered against DGCA officials.

Mr Ramanand said the main aim of the investigation was to establish the truth – whether the accident was an accident or the result of a pre-planned conspiracy. “The investigation has been intensified by examining angles of sabotage, systemic negligence and possible criminal activity,” he said.

“CID has already collected various evidence and is coordinating with aviation authorities. AAIB’s findings will be incorporated once its report is received. If any element of wrongdoing, including negligence or sabotage, is detected, CID will register a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” Mr. Ramanand added.

He said the CID is also coordinating with the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Pune and the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, BJ Government Medical College, Pune.

Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-SSK), operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, crashed near Baramati airstrip on January 28, killing Ajit Pawar and four others. An accidental death report was registered at Baramati Taluka police station before the case was handed over to the CID for further investigation.

Earlier in the day, Rohit Pawar visited Baramati police station to register an FIR and insisted that the accident should be investigated not only from technical but also criminal perspectives. The police asked for time to evaluate the request.

The NCP(SP) MLA alleged that some influential people were trying to protect VSR Ventures and demanded the resignation of Union civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu. He alleged that the company had links with Telugu Desam Party leaders. “There is a clear attempt to protect VSR because there is a big personality involved,” he claimed.

Later, Mr. Pawar visited the CID headquarters in Pune and met officials. “Since CID also did not register our FIR, I filed a statement under section 180 of BNSS and it was accepted,” he said.