AviationInvestigation – Leaders Demand Transparency in Baramati Plane Crash Probe
AviationInvestigation – The debate over the investigation into the Baramati plane crash has intensified, with senior leaders calling for greater transparency and a more credible inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life on January 28 after a chartered aircraft travelling from Mumbai to Baramati crash-landed at the runway threshold in Baramati, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Five people, including crew members, were reported dead in the incident.
Concerns Raised Over Investigation Process
In the days following the crash, political reactions have continued to surface. Rohit Pawar, an MLA from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), recently made a detailed public presentation questioning the circumstances surrounding the accident. He indicated that he had spent nearly two weeks gathering information related to the crash and suggested that several aspects of the incident require closer scrutiny.
Reacting to the presentation, Anand Dubey of the Shiv Sena (UBT) described the study as thorough and said the kind of groundwork carried out by Rohit Pawar should have been undertaken by official aviation authorities. He questioned the role of agencies such as the DGCA and the CID, arguing that the probe should be conducted under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge to ensure impartiality.
Call for Judicial Oversight
Dubey maintained that Ajit Pawar was a prominent public figure and that the public deserves a comprehensive explanation of how the crash occurred. He stressed that details should be shared openly through an official press briefing. According to him, entrusting the investigation to a retired apex court judge would help address doubts and reinforce public confidence in the findings.
The demand for judicial oversight has added a new dimension to the ongoing discussion, with opposition leaders insisting that a transparent and independent process is essential in a case of such magnitude.
Speculation and Public Sentiment
During his press interaction earlier this week, Rohit Pawar pointed to widespread speculation across Maharashtra about whether the crash was purely accidental. He noted that confusion and grief have led to various theories circulating among the public. While he stopped short of making direct allegations, he said many people continue to question key aspects of the incident.
He also referred to literature discussing how individuals can be targeted indirectly, a comment that further fuelled debate. However, no official agency has so far indicated evidence of foul play.
The atmosphere in the state remains emotionally charged, with supporters mourning the loss of a senior leader while also seeking clarity about what led to the fatal crash.
Government Appeals for Restraint
Amid rising political exchanges, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged leaders to refrain from politicising the tragedy. He assured that a detailed investigation is underway and that authorities will examine all technical and procedural aspects linked to the aircraft accident.
Fadnavis emphasised that aviation safety investigations follow established protocols and that conclusions will be based on technical evidence, flight data, and expert analysis. He appealed for patience until the official findings are released.
According to the DGCA, the aircraft attempted to land in Baramati when the crash-landing took place near the runway threshold. Aviation experts typically analyse multiple factors in such cases, including weather conditions, pilot inputs, aircraft maintenance records, and runway infrastructure.
Awaiting Official Findings
As investigative agencies continue their work, political leaders and members of the public are awaiting a clear account of the events that led to the fatal crash. The calls for transparency reflect broader concerns about accountability and public trust in high-profile investigations.
For now, authorities have not announced a timeline for the final report. Until then, the focus remains on ensuring that the probe proceeds without interference and that verified information is shared responsibly.