Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar and senior NCP leaders met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on February 17, 2026, demanding a CBI investigation into the January 28 plane crash that claimed the life of NCP leader and State Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
NCP Leaders Demand CBI Probe into Ajit Pawar Plane Crash
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) delegation, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday to press for a central investigation into the fatal plane crash at Baramati in Pune district. The tragic accident on January 28 claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar and four others. Accompanied by senior leaders Sunil Tatkare, Praful Patel, Hassan Mushrif, and her elder son Parth Pawar, Sunetra Pawar handed over a formal letter requesting a thorough CBI probe. Addressing reporters, Mr. Tatkare said, “The Chief Minister has assured us that the State government will communicate with the Union Home Ministry regarding the CBI investigation. While independent agencies are already probing the crash, a central probe would be more comprehensive.” Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirmed that special support has been requested to retrieve data from the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) of the Learjet 45 involved in the accident.
Read More :- Ramadan Dates 2026: Ramzan Time Table, Fasting, Moon Sighting, and Significance
No Dissent Within NCP on Probe Demand
Sunil Tatkare emphasized that the NCP legislature party fully supports Sunetra Pawar’s demand and that there is no dissent within the party. “We are united in ensuring that the investigation is fair and transparent,” he added. The push for a CBI probe reflects the party’s commitment to accountability and thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Mahayuti Alliance Discussions and Governance Concerns
In addition to the crash probe demand, Mr. Tatkare highlighted discussions with BJP State president Ravindra Chavan about the Mahayuti alliance’s strategy after its recent Zilla Parishad victory. He also raised concerns regarding governance issues, noting incidents that could tarnish the State government’s image. He specifically mentioned a bribery case in NCP Minister Narhari Zirwal’s office at Mantralaya last week. To prevent such occurrences in the future, he stated that Ministers have been instructed to ensure proper scrutiny before appointments and to maintain strict oversight in their offices. Recently, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) caught a clerk from the Food and Drug Administration department allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹35,000 at the State secretariat, Mantralaya. “Incidents like these not only damage the government’s credibility but also erode public trust. We must ensure such cases do not recur,” Mr. Tatkare added.
Read More :- Gold Futures Fall Nearly 2% to ₹1.52 Lakh/10g Amid Strong Dollar
Next Steps for the Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Investigation
While the State government has initiated probes through independent agencies, the NCP insists that a CBI investigation would ensure a more thorough and transparent examination. The party expects swift action and regular updates from both the State and Union governments. Moreover, the coordination between the State government and the Union Home Ministry is crucial for facilitating the CBI’s involvement. Meanwhile, families of the deceased and the party leadership are closely monitoring the developments.
Key Highlights
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Meeting | February 17, 2026 |
| Delegation Leaders | Sunetra Pawar, Sunil Tatkare, Praful Patel, Hassan Mushrif, Parth Pawar |
| Chief Minister Met | Devendra Fadnavis |
| Incident | Plane crash at Baramati, Pune district (January 28, 2026) |
| Victims | Ajit Pawar and four others |
| Probe Demanded | CBI investigation |
| Government Response | Assurance to coordinate with Union Home Ministry |
The NCP has made it clear that it will closely follow up on the CBI investigation request while continuing to push for transparency and accountability in governance.
| FAQ | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who met CM Devendra Fadnavis regarding the Ajit Pawar plane crash? | Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar and senior NCP leaders met the CM on February 17, 2026. |
| What is the NCP demanding? | The NCP has formally requested a CBI investigation into the January 28, 2026 plane crash. |
| Who were the victims of the crash? | NCP leader Ajit Pawar and four others lost their lives in the Baramati plane crash. |
| Has the government taken any steps? | The State government has initiated independent agency probes and will communicate with the Union Home Ministry regarding the CBI investigation. |