Was the pilot drunk? ‘Dada was always careful’: family alleges mystery in Baramati crash

MUMBAI: The family of NCP leader and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has raised doubts over his death in a plane crash. His nephew, Rohit Pawar, said there were many suspicious circumstances surrounding the accident and that the family wants to raise serious questions. He alleged that the aircraft had been filled with extra fuel and that the pilot's alcohol test was positive. The family also claimed that a proper investigation is not being carried out.

Rohit Pawar said CCTV footage should be checked to find out whether an additional fuel tank had been installed in the aircraft. He alleged that fitting an extra tank created a situation similar to a bomb inside the plane. He also questioned why the aircraft did not make additional rounds in the air and whether there were no other options for landing. Rohit said Ajit Pawar was always careful about his travel plans. He claimed that even though he had reached the airport on time, the flight was delayed.

He further questioned why there was a change in the travel schedule. "Dada had originally planned to travel from Mumbai to Pune on the evening of January 27, and his convoy was ready. However, a senior leader came to meet him, which delayed the journey. The plan was then changed, and he decided to travel on the morning of January 28," Rohit said.

The flight took off on the morning of January 28. During landing at Baramati airport, the aircraft crashed, killing Ajit Pawar and all others on board.