Fresh Turn in Ajit Pawar Crash Probe: Nephew Files Zero FIR in Bengaluru
Investigation into the January 28 aircraft crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has taken a significant new turn. Karjat-Jamkhed MLA Rohit Rajendra Pawar, the nephew of the deceased leader, has filed a police complaint in Bengaluru, alleging a criminal conspiracy behind the tragic incident.
Zero FIR Registered and Transferred
Based on Rohit Pawar's complaint, the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru registered a Zero FIR. A Zero FIR is a First Information Report that can be filed at any police station in the country, regardless of where the offence occurred, to prevent delays in initiating an investigation. It is later transferred to the jurisdictional police station for proper inquiry.
Confirming the action, Bengaluru City police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh stated, "On Monday, Ajit Pawar's nephew Rohit turned up at High Grounds police station and requested to register a zero FIR seeking inquiry into the death. Since the Supreme Court has issued guidelines stating zero FIRs can be registered anywhere in the country, we registered the same and transferred it to the DGP, Maharashtra, through our DG&IGP as per proper channel."
Singh clarified that the FIR was not registered based on a court directive but after Rohit appeared in person. Another senior police officer revealed that Rohit had attempted to lodge a complaint in Maharashtra but was unable to do so because the state CID was already probing the circumstances leading to Ajit Pawar's death.
Allegations of Safety Violations and Conspiracy
In his detailed complaint, Rohit Pawar made several serious allegations regarding the aircraft and its operations:
- Aircraft Airworthiness: He alleged that the Bombardier Learjet 45 (VT-SSK, operated by VSR Ventures) was not airworthy. "The material available discloses systematic violations of aviation safety regulations, deliberate falsification of records, negligence in maintenance and operations, and a pattern of conduct that caused the deaths of those aboard," he stated, referring to the crash at Baramati.
- Engine Overhaul Threshold: At the time of the crash, the aircraft had accumulated 4,915 flight hours, leaving only about 85 hours before reaching the mandatory engine Time Before Overhaul (TBO) threshold of 5,000 hours. Despite operating dangerously close to this limit, the aircraft was deployed for commercial operations, heightening the risk of mechanical malfunction.
- Visibility and Runway Issues: Rohit alleged that visibility was not properly assessed. The crew initially requested the safer Runway 29 but switched to Runway 11, the more dangerous tabletop runway, without justification two minutes later. No second go-around was attempted despite visual evidence that the first approach had failed.
- Pilot's Conduct: He questioned the silence of chief pilot Sumit Kapoor seconds before the crash when co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak muttered in panic. Rohit also alleged that Kapoor had a documented history of alcohol-related violations, making him susceptible to threat or inducement.
- Documentation Anomalies: The airworthiness certificate for the aircraft was issued on December 16, 2021, while the aircraft registration certificate was issued on December 27, 2022, a full year later. Standard aviation procedure requires that registration must precede airworthiness certification. This reversal suggests either gross administrative failure or deliberate manipulation of records at the DGCA level.
The complaint paints a picture of potential negligence and possible foul play, adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation into the crash that shocked the political landscape of Maharashtra.
