CBI probe into Ajit Pawar crash awaits AAIB report in January
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will probe the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar near Baramati airport once the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) submits its final report. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Friday that the final AAIB report is expected to be submitted by January next year, ahead of the first anniversary of the crash.
The crash occurred on January 28 this year when a Learjet 45 plane owned by VSR Ventures crashed near Baramati airport, killing Pawar and four others. Following the incident, the AAIB launched a technical investigation, while the state CID has been investigating other aspects of the case.
Fadnavis stated that the CBI has conveyed it can only take over the case after the AAIB completes its technical investigation and submits its final findings. The Chief Minister emphasized that further progress in both the state CID investigation and any potential CBI probe hinges on these findings, which are necessary to establish technical facts and determine responsibility.
According to Fadnavis, establishing responsibility is required before anyone can be named as an accused, charges can be framed, or action can be initiated against the plane's owner, VSR Ventures. The state government had requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a CBI probe in February.
While air crash investigations typically take three to four years, Fadnavis noted that the central government has expedited the process. International experts, including a specialized agency from the United States, have been engaged to assist with the probe.
Fadnavis, who has been personally reviewing the progress of the investigation, shared that authorities have completed downloading all data from the aircraft’s equipment and successfully reconstructed data where required. A preliminary report has already been submitted.
Meanwhile, the state CID has recorded witness statements, secured available footage, and examined various aspects of the case. This included investigating allegations surrounding the late pilot, Captain Sumit Kapoor. Investigators scrutinized Kapoor's bank accounts, insurance policies, and share market investments, but found nothing suspicious.
