Mumbai/Pune, February 17, 2026 — The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has formally demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar on January 28, 2026. A high-level delegation from the party, including Pawar's widow and current Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today to submit a memorandum urging a thorough CBI-led investigation amid growing suspicions of foul play and questions over the ongoing probes.
The delegation comprised key NCP figures such as National Working President and MP Praful Patel, State President and MP Sunil Tatkare, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, and youth leader Parth Pawar. They handed over a letter to Fadnavis emphasizing the need for a central agency to ensure an impartial and comprehensive inquiry.
Sunil Tatkare, speaking after the meeting, stated that while autonomous bodies and a state CID probe ordered by the Chief Minister are underway, the party believes a CBI investigation would provide the necessary "breadth" and credibility. Fadnavis reportedly assured the group that the state government would correspond with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to facilitate the CBI probe.
The crash occurred on the morning of January 28 when a chartered Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK), operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport in Pune district—Ajit Pawar's home constituency. Pawar, aged 66, was traveling from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to address public meetings related to upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.
The aircraft, carrying five people in total, disappeared from radar around 8:45 a.m. after takeoff at approximately 8:10 a.m. It veered off the runway during its approach, burst into flames, and was destroyed on impact. No survivors were reported.
The victims included:
- Ajit Pawar (passenger and Deputy Chief Minister)
- Pilot-in-Command Sumit Kapur
- Co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak
- Flight attendant Pinky Mali
- Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav
Preliminary reports indicate the plane made a loop to align with the runway before crashing near it. Dense fog was visible in CCTV footage that surfaced later, raising questions about visibility and landing decisions. The last words from the cockpit, reportedly "Oh s***," were captured moments before impact, according to some media reports.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the technical probe in line with ICAO Annex 13 standards. Both flight recorders (black boxes) sustained fire damage, though data from one has been downloaded successfully. Foreign technical assistance has been sought for the damaged cockpit voice recorder.
The incident has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties including NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress alleging possible foul play. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has publicly claimed the crash may have been sabotage and criticized the pace of the investigation, questioning if delays are meant to shield private entities.
Ajit Pawar's family has expressed suspicions that the death was not a mere accident but involved sabotage, intensifying calls for an independent probe.
The state government has initiated inquiries through independent agencies and previously indicated willingness to involve the CBI. Today's demand from the NCP—now aligned with Pawar's faction—marks a significant escalation, reflecting deep concerns within the party and family over the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As investigations continue, the political fallout from Ajit Pawar's demise remains a focal point in Maharashtra, with tributes from across the spectrum underscoring his stature as a veteran leader and influential figure in state politics. Further updates on the probe are awaited as the CBI involvement remains under consideration.
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