The Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced an investigation into the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others on January 28. The Learjet 45 aircraft crashed approximately 200 meters from the Baramati airstrip during its landing approach.
The CID’s inquiry aims to determine whether any sabotage occurred prior to the flight’s departure from Mumbai. A senior official stated that the CID team has begun collecting relevant documents from Pune Rural Police and will inspect the accident site near the Baramati airstrip.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is conducting a parallel technical investigation. The aircraft’s black box has been recovered and is undergoing analysis to ascertain the cause of the crash.
Opposition leaders, including Congress’s Vijay Wadettiwar and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sushma Andhare, have called for a high-level judicial or Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, citing public concerns over potential foul play.
As investigations proceed, the state mourns the loss of a prominent political figure, and authorities continue to examine all possible factors leading to the fatal incident.