West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar in Baramati, raising concerns over the timing of the incident and its possible political implications.
Speaking at a public event on Wednesday, Banerjee said the incident had left her deeply shocked and claimed that political leaders were increasingly unsafe in the country. She linked the crash to recent political developments, stating that reports had emerged suggesting Ajit Pawar was considering distancing himself from the BJP-led ruling alliance in Maharashtra.
Banerjee alleged that Pawar was expected to return to the original political path of the Nationalist Congress Party, which split in 2023, and insisted that only the Supreme Court could ensure a fair and transparent probe. She claimed that central agencies no longer enjoyed public trust and demanded judicial supervision of the investigation.
The Trinamool Congress chief also expressed condolences to Ajit Pawar&rsquo;s family, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and the people of Maharashtra. Her remarks come at a time when West Bengal is heading towards assembly elections, with the TMC facing a strong challenge from the BJP.
Ajit Pawar was among five people killed when a chartered aircraft crashed in Baramati in Maharashtra&rsquo;s Pune district on Wednesday morning. The jet, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, crash-landed at the local airport. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, five people, including crew members, were on board.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also demanded a probe into the crash but avoided drawing any political conclusions. He said aviation accidents, regardless of aircraft size, must be investigated thoroughly to establish the cause.
Earlier, Kharge described Pawar&rsquo;s death as a deeply distressing loss and said the veteran leader would be remembered for his service to the people of Maharashtra.

Opposition leaders raise questions, demand probe into fatal Baramati air crash

Mamata seeks SC probe into Ajit Pawar crash

Opposition leaders raise questions, demand probe into fatal Baramati air crash

January 28, 2026 | 16:52 IST