Mumbai: Rohit Pawar has raised serious allegations over the plane crash that led to his uncle Ajit Pawar’s death, claiming it could have been a “Mossad-like operation” and demanding the immediate shutdown of the aircraft operator VSR.
Rohit Pawar said he suspects the crash may not have been an accident. “The question is whether this is a conspiracy. I also have doubts that it could be a conspiracy,” he said. He referred to a conversation with a person who had worked in the security sector, who allegedly drew parallels with Israeli intelligence agency Mossad’s methods.
Rohit claims Ajit Pawar’s death may have been ‘Mossad-like’ conspiracy
Rohit claimed he was shown a reference in a book describing an agent and an alleged strategy of targeting the “driver” to eliminate a person, whether in a car, on a motorcycle or in a plane. “If someone is in a plane, it is the pilot,” he said, implying that the pilot could have been the key link in the crash.
Rohit raised multiple questions about the circumstances surrounding the flight. Rohit alleged that Captain Kapoor, who was flying the aircraft, had a controversial background and had faced allegations including drinking. He questioned why Kapoor was assigned to fly a VIP like Ajit Pawar when the originally designated pilots were reportedly changed citing “traffic issues”.
“There is no traffic jam in Mumbai so early in the morning, so why was this reason given?” he asked. He also questioned why the aircraft attempted landing on Runway 11 instead of Runway 29, whether the transponder was deliberately switched off and why landing was permitted at 3,000 metres visibility when DGCA guidelines require 5,000 metres.
Rohit maintained that the co-pilot was not at fault but said several questions remain unanswered about Captain Kapoor.
He demanded a swift and thorough probe by state and central authorities and called for VSR and Arrow to be shut down immediately. He clarified that he was not alleging a political conspiracy but insisted that the investigation must establish the truth.
Devendra Fadnavis reacts to Rohit’s allegations
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded by saying that all doubts should be examined and that the investigation is already underway, with the black box recovered. He urged patience until the inquiry is completed.