Rohit Pawar Files Zero FIR in Bengaluru, Alleges Conspiracy in Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Case

Rohit Pawar, nephew of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, on Tuesday said he had filed a zero FIR in Bengaluru in connection with the January 28 plane crash near Baramati that killed his uncle and four others. He alleged a “larger criminal conspiracy” behind the incident.

A zero FIR allows a complaint to be registered at any police station, irrespective of jurisdiction, and is later transferred to the appropriate authority for investigation. Pawar lodged the complaint at the High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru, claiming that despite repeated attempts, no FIR was initially registered in Maharashtra. He said this compelled him to approach the Karnataka Police.

Citing a recent case involving alleged remarks against Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Pawar said the zero FIR mechanism had to be invoked due to alleged inaction by Maharashtra Police in his uncle’s case.

The complaint invokes multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to culpable homicide, negligence and endangering life.

According to Pawar, the aircraft—operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd—was allegedly unfit to fly, with claims of falsified maintenance records and safety violations. The complaint also raises concerns about the pilot’s past conduct, last-minute crew changes and decisions taken under poor visibility conditions.

He said he had earlier approached police stations in Mumbai and Baramati in February, but no FIR was registered. Authorities, including the Pune CID, were reportedly examining the case as an Accidental Death Report at the time.

The complaint further alleges “systematic violations” of aviation safety norms and gross negligence, claiming the crash may have been part of a conspiracy to eliminate the Deputy Chief Minister.

Referring to a safety audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Pawar claimed the Bombardier Learjet 45 involved was not airworthy and had previously been grounded. He also alleged that the aircraft was operated close to its overhaul limit, with possible suppression of flight data.

Questions were also raised about the sudden crew change and flight decisions, including a runway switch and unexplained delays. Pawar alleged the pilot’s lack of response in the final moments suggested either incapacitation or deliberate inaction.

The complaint calls for a full criminal probe, pointing to possible regulatory lapses in aircraft certification and oversight, beyond the ongoing technical investigation.

Police have since registered the zero FIR and transferred the case to Pune for further investigation.

Ajit Pawar and four others were killed when the Learjet 45 crashed near Baramati airport while flying from Mumbai on January 28.