Black Box Burnt, Sunetra Pawar Demands CBI Probe: Was Ajit Pawar’s Plane Crash a Conspiracy? Suspicion Deepens

Mumbai: The tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra’s former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is now being viewed with growing suspicion, as several developments have raised serious questions about whether the incident was merely an accident or part of a larger conspiracy.

The crash occurred on January 28 in Baramati, when a Learjet 45 aircraft reportedly lost control during landing and crashed near the runway. Ajit Pawar and four others on board died in the accident. However, recent findings related to the aircraft’s black box have intensified doubts surrounding the case.

Black Box Found Burnt, No Data Retrieved

According to preliminary investigation updates, the aircraft’s black box was severely burnt, leaving investigators unable to retrieve any crucial flight data. This has sparked widespread concern, especially because the black box is generally designed to withstand extreme heat and impact.

What has further raised eyebrows is the fact that the black box was located in the rear section of the aircraft, and reports suggest that this portion of the plane was found separated and not completely destroyed by fire, making the black box damage appear suspicious.

Sunetra Pawar Seeks CBI Investigation

In the wake of these developments, Sunetra Pawar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and wife of the late Ajit Pawar, has formally demanded a CBI inquiry into the crash.

On Tuesday, Sunetra Pawar, along with her elder son Parth Pawar and senior NCP leaders including Sunil Tatkare, Praful Patel, and Hasan Mushrif, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and submitted a letter urging a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Senior NCP leader Sunil Tatkare stated that the Chief Minister has assured them the state government will coordinate with the Union Home Ministry and consider ordering a CBI probe, as such an investigation would be more comprehensive and credible.

Sanjay Raut Raises Questions

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also supported the Pawar family’s doubts, calling the burnt black box issue “extremely serious and mysterious.”

Raut pointed out that black boxes have been recovered intact even decades after accidents, making it difficult to believe that the device could be completely destroyed so quickly. He questioned the intentions behind the way the investigation is being conducted and demanded transparency from the government.

Rohit Pawar Claims Conspiracy Angle

The controversy further escalated after NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar alleged that the crash may not have been accidental. He cited unusual circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar’s travel plans, suggesting that critical decisions made in the 24 hours prior to the crash could hold the key to uncovering the truth.

Rohit Pawar claimed Ajit Pawar was initially supposed to travel from Mumbai to Pune by car the previous evening. Security arrangements were reportedly already in place, yet Ajit Pawar suddenly changed his plan and chose to fly instead. Rohit Pawar hinted that a last-minute meeting with a “major leader” may have influenced the change.

He argued that such abrupt changes and unclear explanations have fueled public suspicion across Maharashtra.

Investigation Continues

Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has stated that it has sought specialized assistance to recover data from the cockpit voice recorder. However, the destruction of the black box remains a major hurdle in determining the exact cause of the crash.

With multiple political leaders raising concerns and the victim’s family demanding a central probe, the incident has now taken a political and investigative turn, intensifying pressure on the state and central authorities to ensure a transparent and unbiased investigation.