New Delhi

Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said a comprehensive investigation is underway into the Baramati plane crash, with multiple agencies working to uncover the truth behind the incident.

Speaking to reporters, Shinde said Rohit Pawar had met both him and the Chief Minister, seeking a fair and thorough probe.

“The Maharashtra government, central agencies and other authorities are all investigating the incident. The truth will certainly come out,” Shinde said.

He termed the death of Ajit Pawar in the crash a “very big tragedy,” stressing the need for accountability and transparency.

The fatal crash occurred on January 28 when a Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) crash-landed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district, killing all five people on board. The victims included Pawar, his personal security officer, a flight attendant and two pilots.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has constituted a multi-disciplinary audit team, which flagged several procedural lapses related to airworthiness, safety, and flight operations, and ordered a special audit of the operating firm.

Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in its preliminary findings, noted that visibility at Baramati at the time of landing was below the required minimum of five kilometres.

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Authorities said investigations by both state and central agencies are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.