Bengaluru: Rohit Pawar on Tuesday filed a zero FIR at the High Grounds Police Station in connection with the January 28 plane crash near Baramati in Maharashtra that claimed the life of his uncle, Ajit Pawar, and four others.
Zero FIR filed citing inaction
The FIR was registered as a zero FIR, a legal provision that allows complaints to be filed at any police station regardless of jurisdiction, before being transferred to the appropriate authority for investigation.
Rohit Pawar alleged that despite repeated attempts, police in Maharashtra did not initially register an FIR, forcing him to approach authorities in Bengaluru. The case has now been transferred to Pune for further probe.
Allegations of criminal conspiracy
In his complaint, Pawar alleged a “larger criminal conspiracy” behind the crash, invoking multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to culpable homicide, negligence and endangering life.
He claimed that the aircraft involved in the crash was not fit for operation and that there were serious lapses in safety compliance.
Questions over aircraft and operator
The complaint raises concerns about the aircraft, a Bombardier Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd.
According to Pawar, the aircraft allegedly had falsified maintenance records and was operating close to its overhaul limit. He further alleged that the jet may not have been airworthy at the time of the flight.
The complaint also referred to a safety audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), claiming the aircraft had previously been flagged for safety concerns.
Concerns over pilot and crew
Pawar also questioned the conduct of the flight crew, particularly Chief Pilot Sumit Kapoor, alleging a history of alcohol-related violations.
He raised doubts about last-minute crew changes, unexplained delays, and a sudden runway switch, terming the explanations provided as “implausible”.
The complaint further suggested that the pilot’s lack of response in the final moments of the flight could indicate either incapacitation or deliberate inaction.
Earlier attempts to file FIR
Rohit Pawar stated that he had approached the Marine Drive Police Station on February 25 and the Baramati Police Station on February 26, but no FIR was registered. He was reportedly informed by the Pune CID that only an Accidental Death Report (ADR) was being examined.
He cited this as the reason for filing the zero FIR in Bengaluru, referencing a similar recent case where such a provision was used to initiate legal proceedings outside the original jurisdiction.
Call for full criminal probe
The FIR calls for a comprehensive criminal investigation beyond the ongoing technical inquiry, citing “systematic violations” of aviation safety norms and possible regulatory failures.
It also highlights concerns over certification processes and alleged suppression of critical flight data.
Background of the crash
The crash occurred on January 28 when the aircraft, en route from Mumbai, went down near Baramati airport, killing all five people on board, including Ajit Pawar.
The incident had initially been treated as an accident, but the latest complaint seeks to broaden the scope of the investigation.
Conclusion
The filing of the zero FIR adds a new dimension to the Baramati plane crash case, shifting focus from a technical probe to potential criminal accountability. With the case now transferred to Pune, further investigation is expected to determine the validity of the allegations and uncover the circumstances behind the fatal incident.