Delay in CID and CBI investigation of Ajit Pawar death draws criticism

The death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a VSR Aviation crash on January 28, 2026, remains shrouded in controversy as investigative agencies appear stalled.

Rohit Pawar, an NCP MLA, slammed the state’s handling of the case, noting that the CID has made no discernible progress and that the matter has not been escalated to the Central Bureau of Investigation. He highlighted the absence of even a preliminary FIR and the failure to transfer the Karnataka FIR to Maharashtra officials.

Pawar warned that on September 4 he will present a trove of evidence at a press conference, aiming to expose any attempts to conceal facts or protect vested interests.

He also questioned the rationale behind the state’s vigorous defense of VSR Aviation, a private carrier that received large disbursements—₹15.72 crore a day before the crash, ₹9.81 crore on the day of the incident, and ₹16.86 crore the following day.

The growing outcry for an impartial, high‑level probe has placed the Maharashtra government under intense scrutiny as the scheduled press briefing approaches.