Ajit Pawar Crash: Son Seeks Arrest of VSR Ventures Owner After Video Surfaces

For the first time since the death of his father, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Jay Pawar on Sunday broke his silence, sharing a video on social media and alleging serious safety violations by VSR Ventures. He called for the immediate arrest of the company’s owner and strict action against its operations.

In his post, Jay Pawar claimed the video shows Rohit Singh, owner of VSR Ventures, allegedly asleep in the chief pilot’s seat while the aircraft was in flight. Describing the visuals as “deeply disturbing,” he demanded that the company’s entire fleet be grounded until the investigation into the fatal crash is completed.

VSR Ventures operated the Learjet 45 that crashed on January 28 in Baramati, Pune district, killing Ajit Pawar and four
others. “We lost our father, and that pain will never fade,” Jay Pawar wrote. “If the owner of the company can allegedly fall asleep in the pilot’s seat mid-flight, it raises serious concerns about safety standards. Such negligence puts lives at risk.”

He urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take swift and firm action, including grounding all aircraft operated by VSR Ventures and arresting Rohit Singh pending the outcome of the investigation.

Jay Pawar also voiced dissatisfaction with the preliminary report issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The report cited poor visibility at the time of the crash and flagged issues such as faded runway markings and loose gravel on the Baramati airstrip.

“I am disappointed that the preliminary findings lack clarity and detail,” he said. “The people of Maharashtra and the families who lost their loved ones deserve transparency and clear answers.”

The younger son of the late NCP leader argued that regulatory action should not be limited to select aircraft. Noting
that the DGCA had grounded some planes over procedural lapses, he said similar shortcomings could exist across the company’s fleet.

“If serious violations of aviation norms and standard procedures are identified, then action must extend to the entire fleet, not just a few aircraft,” he said, stressing that passenger safety must remain paramount.

However, MP Sanjay Raut said it was encouraging that Jay Pawar has now begun raising questions and demanding action. He noted that earlier, many people felt only Rohit Pawar was speaking out about his uncle’s death, but Jay Pawar has now also stepped forward.

Jay Pawar urged authorities to consider suspending VSR Ventures’ operations altogether until all safety concerns are thoroughly examined and addressed.


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