Why Is Pune CID Questioning VSR Ventures Owner Over Ajit Pawar Plane Crash?

The Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID) on Thursday questioned V K Singh, owner of VSR Ventures, the company that operated the Learjet 45 involved in the Baramati plane crash that killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others on January 28. A CID officer confirmed that Singh’s statement was being recorded, but declined to provide further details as the questioning was still ongoing.

Following the crash, an accidental death report was filed at the Baramati Taluka police station, and the case was later transferred to the Pune CID. Investigators have said their focus is to determine whether sabotage or criminal negligence played a role in the tragedy.

According to sources, the CID had previously sent a set of questions to VSR Ventures in connection with the probe. The preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) highlighted several safety concerns, including poor visibility at the time of the crash, fading runway markings, and loose gravel on the runway surface.

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Political leaders have also weighed in on the investigation. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar alleged on Wednesday that attempts were being made to shield VSR Ventures from scrutiny, claiming that the AAIB preliminary report validated earlier concerns he had raised. Ajit Pawar’s son, Jay Pawar, recently shared a video on social media purportedly showing V K Singh’s son, Rohit Singh, dozing off in the chief pilot’s seat during a flight, demanding his immediate arrest.

Jay Pawar also called for all VSR Ventures aircraft to be grounded until the investigation into the Baramati crash is completed. The CID continues its inquiry, as families and officials await clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.

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