Ajit Pawar’s Son Posts Video Alleging VSR Ventures Owner Slept in Cockpit, Seeks Arrest

Pune, Mar 2 : Jay Pawar, son of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has demanded the immediate arrest of VSR Ventures owner Rohit Singh after sharing a video that allegedly shows him asleep in the chief pilot’s seat during a flight.

Calling the incident “extremely serious and shocking,” Jay Pawar urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take strict action. He also sought the grounding of all aircraft operated by VSR Ventures until the investigation into his father’s fatal plane crash is completed.

VSR Ventures operated the Learjet 45 that crashed on January 28 at Baramati in Pune district, killing Ajit Pawar and four others. According to Jay Pawar, the alleged cockpit negligence raises serious concerns about safety standards within the company.

“This is a son’s anguished appeal for my father and for the safety of every passenger,” he said, demanding a comprehensive inquiry and stringent legal action.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) recently released its preliminary findings on the crash, noting that visibility was below required levels at the time of the accident. The report also highlighted fading runway markings and loose gravel at the Baramati airfield, recommending that the regulator ensure strict adherence to safety norms at uncontrolled airstrips.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the preliminary findings, Jay Pawar said the report lacked sufficient detail and transparency. He called for complete disclosure of facts to address concerns of the victims’ families and the public.

He further argued that if regulatory lapses or operational discrepancies are established, action should not be limited to select aircraft but extended to the entire fleet operated by the company. He urged authorities to prioritise passenger safety and consider halting all operations of VSR Ventures pending a thorough review.