Pune Police : File ADR After Fatal Baramati Air Crash, CID to Take Over Probe
Pune Police : Pune Rural Police have filed an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at Baramati Taluka Police Station following the fatal aircraft crash that occurred on Wednesday morning, January 28. The incident resulted in the deaths of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other individuals. Police officials confirmed that preliminary procedures have been completed and further investigative steps are now underway.
Case Transfer to State Investigation Authorities
According to senior police officials, the ADR will soon be transferred to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department. The CID will assume responsibility for the case and proceed with a detailed investigation. Authorities stated that the CID’s inquiry will be guided by technical findings and recommendations submitted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which is leading the aviation-specific aspects of the probe.
Details of the Aircraft and Casualties
The crash involved a Learjet 45 aircraft that went down close to the runway at Baramati airport during the early morning hours. On board were five individuals, including the 66-year-old Nationalist Congress Party chief. All occupants were declared dead at the site. Emergency responders and airport personnel reached the wreckage shortly after the crash, but there were no survivors.
Role of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has formally taken charge of examining the cause of the crash. As the designated national authority for civil aviation accident investigations, the bureau is tasked with determining technical, mechanical, or procedural factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Examination of Operator and Maintenance Records
As part of the initial inquiry, a three-member AAIB team visited the office of VSR Ventures, the company associated with the aircraft’s operations. Officials questioned the firm’s owner and key staff members for approximately 90 minutes. Sources indicated that investigators focused on flight records, maintenance history, and operational protocols followed before the aircraft’s final departure.
Coordination Between Agencies
Police officials emphasized that the investigation will involve close coordination between local law enforcement, the CID, and aviation authorities. While the ADR addresses the legal requirement to document the deaths, technical conclusions from the AAIB will play a central role in shaping the overall findings. Any further action, including potential accountability or safety recommendations, will depend on the outcome of these assessments.
Focus on Aviation Safety Measures
Aviation experts note that incidents occurring near runways often prompt scrutiny of takeoff and landing procedures, pilot response, and aircraft performance under prevailing conditions. Although investigators have not released preliminary conclusions, authorities reiterated that no assumptions would be made until all evidence is carefully reviewed.
Awaiting Official Findings
Government officials have urged restraint and patience as the investigation progresses. Final reports from the AAIB typically take time, as they involve detailed analysis of flight data, cockpit voice recordings if available, and physical examination of wreckage components. Until then, officials said, only verified information will be shared with the public.