Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with Rohit Pawar in New Delhi has thrust the Baramati plane crash back into the headlines, with fresh calls for a thorough, unbiased investigation into the deaths of Ajit Pawar and others. The NCP (SP) MLA’s visit to the Congress stalwart underscores persistent doubts surrounding the January 2026 aviation mishap.
Gandhi took to X to publicize the interaction, attaching a photo and Pawar’s letter. He highlighted glaring issues: no FIR despite the crash’s severity, violating fundamental legal norms. ‘The investigation must be fair, transparent, and without prejudice,’ he asserted.
On that fateful day, the Learjet 45 from VSR Ventures hurtled to the ground during landing at the uncontrolled Baramati airfield, en route from Mumbai. The toll: five lives, including the politician, his security officer, pilots, and crew—all perished instantly.
AAIB’s early assessment blamed low visibility, lacking facilities, procedural shortcuts by pilots, and worn runway lines, urging DGCA to enforce rigorous VFR standards at similar venues.
Pawar, related to the victim, dismisses accident theories, pointing to sabotage via extra fuel loads, blasts, and cover-ups favoring VSR and DGCA. He delivered a detailed dossier to Gandhi, imploring him to champion the cause in Parliament.
Pawar’s X update praised the ‘inspirational’ dialogue, noting Gandhi’s backing. Previously, he approached DMK’s Kanimozhi with the same materials.
This alliance amplifies pressure on authorities, spotlighting aviation vulnerabilities and the quest for truth. With political momentum building, a comprehensive review could reshape safety protocols and deliver closure.