Jay Pawar, son of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has demanded strict regulatory action against aviation company VSR Ventures following the fatal Learjet 45 crash in Baramati that claimed five lives, including his father’s.
The demand comes after Jay shared a purported video on social media, alleging that the company’s owner, Rohit Singh, was seen dozing off in the chief pilot’s seat during a flight. Calling the footage “extremely serious and shocking,” Jay said such negligence in the air cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
“We lost our father… this pain will stay with us for a lifetime,” he wrote. “In this video, Rohit Singh is seen asleep in the chief pilot’s seat during the flight. Such negligence while the aircraft is in the air is unacceptable.”
Jay described his statement as both personal anguish and a larger appeal for passenger safety. He urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to immediately ground all aircraft operated by VSR Ventures until a full investigation is completed. He also demanded that Rohit Singh face arrest and strict legal action if wrongdoing is established.
He argued that grounding only select aircraft is insufficient. According to him, if discrepancies exist in following aviation rules and standard operating procedures, then regulators must act against the entire fleet instead of taking partial measures. He warned that similar loopholes could exist across other aircraft operated by the company.
Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report on the January 28 crash. The Learjet 45 went down in Baramati, located in Pune district, under conditions where visibility was reportedly below the required level.
The AAIB flagged faded runway markings and the presence of loose gravel on the runway surface. It also recommended that the DGCA ensure stricter compliance with safety standards, particularly at uncontrolled airfields.
However, Jay Pawar expressed disappointment over the findings. He said the preliminary report lacked depth and failed to provide complete clarity. “People of Maharashtra and the families who lost their loved ones deserve transparent information,” he stated, adding that every question surrounding the crash must be answered openly.
The tragedy has sparked a broader debate over aviation safety standards in India, especially at smaller airstrips. Jay’s public appeal has intensified scrutiny on both the aviation operator and regulatory authorities.
As investigations continue, attention now turns to how swiftly and firmly the DGCA responds. For Jay Pawar, this is not only about accountability for his father’s death but also about ensuring that no other family endures similar grief due to possible negligence.