Bengaluru Transfers Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Case to Maharashtra Authorities

The Karnataka Police have transferred the ‘Zero FIR’ registered in Bengaluru in connection with the January 28 plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others to the Maharashtra Police Department. The case file and related documents have been sent for further investigation, with a request that the matter be handled by the jurisdictional Baramati Rural Police Station in Pune district, Maharashtra.

The FIR, filed on March 23 at Bengaluru’s High Grounds Police Station by NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Rajendra Pawar, a nephew of the deceased, alleges that the crash was the result of a planned conspiracy to eliminate Ajit Pawar. It seeks to name all those responsible as accused. The FIR was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 61, 103, 105, 106, 125, 238, and 336(2), citing criminal conspiracy and negligence.

The complaint outlines the circumstances of the crash, involving a Bombardier Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, which went down while flying from Mumbai to Baramati. All five on board died. The FIR notes that earlier attempts to register a case in Maharashtra at the Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai and Baramati were unsuccessful, prompting the filing of the Zero FIR in Bengaluru.

Also Read: Maharashtra Council Polls: MVA’s Fate Hinges on Uddhav Thackeray and Congress Unity

Rohit Pawar’s complaint raises serious allegations regarding aircraft safety and operational compliance. It cites a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) audit which found the aircraft negligent and unairworthy, including potential under-reporting of flight hours, improper airworthiness certification, and last-minute crew changes. Weather conditions at the time of landing and deviations from Visual Flight Rules are also questioned, alongside operational anomalies during the approach and landing.

The FIR further highlights concerns regarding the chief pilot, Sumit Kapoor, noting previous alcohol-related violations and financial vulnerabilities, suggesting potential susceptibility to coercion. The complaint also points to sudden changes in Ajit Pawar’s travel plans and insurance coverage, which it claims raise further suspicion. Together, these factors are presented as evidence of systematic violations, negligence, and a possible criminal conspiracy.

Karnataka ADGP P. Harishekaran formally wrote to the Maharashtra DGP requesting acknowledgment of receipt and urging the Baramati Rural Police Station to take over the case. The transfer aims to enable a full criminal investigation independent of the technical probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), ensuring that all aspects of the crash, including potential foul play, are thoroughly examined.

Also Read: Banks Closed Across Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka On March 19 For Gudi Padwa