"Blackbox burnt? Sunetra Pawar now demands CBI probe into husband's plane crash"

The controversy surrounding the January 28 Baramati Learjet crash that killed former Maharashtra Deputy Chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others has intensified, with political leaders, family members, and opposition parties demanding transparency and an independent probe. The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) recently submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking a CBI investigation , and significantly, Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar joined the delegation and publicly called for a central probe for the first time.

The crash occurred when the Learjet 45XR carrying Pawar attempted to land at Baramati airstrip in Pune district. While initial reports described it as an accident, opposition parties including Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress have suggested the possibility of foul play. MP Supriya Sule said the Civil Aviation Ministry must address growing public doubts, noting that the issue has also been raised for parliamentary discussion.

Fresh suspicion emerged after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned reports that the aircraft’s black box was burnt , calling the claim “highly suspicious” since flight recorders are designed to withstand extreme crashes. He backed concerns raised by Rohit Pawar , who has criticised the slow pace of the probe and warned that delays could compromise evidence.

Official updates from investigators present a more nuanced picture. The aircraft’s two flight recorders were recovered but suffered severe fire damage due to the post-crash blaze. Data from the Digital Flight Data Recorder has been successfully retrieved, while technical efforts continue to recover audio from the Cockpit Voice Recorder with international assistance.

Rohit Pawar has also pointed to suspicious developments in the final hours before the crash. He stated that Ajit Pawar was originally scheduled to travel by road from Mumbai to Pune with a security convoy ready, but the plan changed at the last minute, possibly due to a meeting with a senior leader. He has called for a comprehensive probe examining flight data, air traffic control communication, and operational decisions.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting the inquiry under international aviation standards. Investigators are examining factors such as landing procedures, runway conditions, visibility, and infrastructure limitations at the Baramati airstrip. A preliminary report is expected after technical analysis is completed.

As grief and speculation continue across Maharashtra, authorities have urged restraint until the investigation concludes. However, with mounting political pressure and public unease, demands are growing for a transparent inquiry to determine whether the crash was a tragic accident or the result of something more sinister.