Sarpanch tells Sharad Pawar about mystery man he saw at Ajit Pawar’s crash site
By Statesman News Service | Mumbai | February 4, 2026
The investigation into the tragic and sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has taken a dramatic, cinematic turn following sensational eyewitness testimony regarding a "mystery man" observed at the crash site. On Wednesday, Kalyan Atole, the Sarpanch of Gojubavi village in Baramati—the very ground where the aircraft went down—met with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar to recount the chilling final moments of the downed vessel. This testimony has not only sent shockwaves through the political corridors of Maharashtra but has also raised profound questions regarding the possibility of foul play in an incident that was initially categorized as a mechanical tragedy.
A Shadowy Figure Amidst the Wreckage
According to Sarpanch Atole, the scene immediately following the impact was chaotic and surreal. As the first responders from the village rushed toward the smoking remains of the aircraft, they noticed a detail that has now become the focal point of a brewing conspiracy. Atole claimed that the aircraft’s door was partially open immediately following the impact. Before the wreckage was fully engulfed in the secondary flames that eventually consumed the cabin, a figure was seen attempting to extricate himself from the debris.
"Initially, we saw a person wearing blue pants coming out, but later we did not see him," Atole told a somber Sharad Pawar. "At that moment, we did not realize Ajit Dada was on board; we assumed the plane belonged to a private businessman. Our focus was on helping, but the situation changed in an instant."
The Sarpanch further clarified that as villagers rushed toward the craft to assist the potential survivor, a sudden, violent explosion forced the crowd back. In the heat and smoke of that blast, the individual in the blue pants seemingly vanished into the surrounding landscape. By the time the fire was brought under control, the only remains found were those of the passengers officially listed on the manifest, leaving the identity and the very existence of this "mystery man" a haunting enigma for the investigators now tasked with the case.
Allegations of Negligence and "Assassination"
The eyewitness account provided by Atole has fueled an intense political firestorm, with many leaders now moving away from the "accident" narrative. NCP MLA Amol Mitkari, a staunch and vocal ally of the late leader, was the first to bring the Sarpanch's claims to public light. Mitkari has been relentless in raising sharp, pointed questions about the safety protocols—or the glaring lack thereof—that surrounded this specific flight.
Mitkari’s allegations go beyond the sighting of a mystery man; he has highlighted several "alarming" discrepancies that suggest a systemic failure. First, he questioned the choice of the aircraft itself. He demanded to know why a Learjet 45, a model he claims has a documented history of safety defects and recurring accidents, was utilized to transport a VVIP of Ajit Pawar’s stature.
Furthermore, Mitkari turned his attention to the cockpit. He alleged that Pilot Sumit Kapoor had a checkered professional record, including government actions and suspensions related to alcohol consumption. Most disturbingly, Mitkari claimed Kapoor was asked to fly this specific mission at the very last moment, replacing the scheduled crew. "Whose decision was this? On what medical fitness, Crew Resource Management (CRM) clearance, and safety certification was he allowed to take that seat?" Mitkari asked during a heated press briefing. To underscore his point, he shared a harrowing photograph of a burnt chair recovered from the site, suggesting that the impact and subsequent fire were far more localized and suspicious than the official reports suggest.
"If Ajit Pawar was assassinated, it is the corporate responsibility of everyone who loves him and every citizen of this state to ensure the truth is revealed and the perpetrators are brought to justice," Mitkari stated, his voice trembling with emotion.
Growing Political Pressure and the ICAO Warning
The sentiment of suspicion was echoed and amplified by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare during a high-stakes Zilla Parishad election campaign rally in Solapur. Andhare did not mince words, pointing directly at the regulatory failures that preceded the crash. She dropped a bombshell claim, asserting that the specific aircraft used for the journey had been declared unfit for operation by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) exactly one year ago.
| Point of Contention | Detailed Description of the Discrepancy |
| ICAO Status | Allegedly flagged as "non-airworthy" by international bodies twelve months prior to the incident. |
| The "Mystery Man" | Identity, purpose, and current whereabouts of the person in blue pants remain entirely unknown to the public. |
| Pilot Background | Allegations of a last-minute substitution involving a pilot with a history of disciplinary issues. |
| Government Silence | Opposition leaders claim the BJP-led administration is providing evasive or contradictory answers to safety queries. |
"People across Maharashtra are rightfully wondering if Ajit Pawar was the victim of a calculated assassination," Andhare told the massive crowd. "Why is the BJP leadership getting so defensive and angry when we ask for the simple truth? If there is nothing to hide, then the aviation regulatory authorities should be transparent about the safety logs of this flight. Instead, we are met with silence and obfuscation."
The Search for Truth
As the demand for a high-level, independent probe—possibly involving central agencies or an international task force—intensifies, the identity of the "man in blue" remains the central enigma. Was he a survivor who fled in shock, or was he someone who shouldn't have been on the plane to begin with?
The political landscape of Maharashtra is now draped in a thick veil of distrust. The tragic loss of a veteran leader like Ajit Pawar is no longer just a mourning event; it has transformed into a quest for accountability. With the Sarpanch’s testimony now part of the public record, the pressure on the state and central governments to provide a clear, forensic, and undeniable explanation of the events in Gojubavi has reached a fever pitch. Until then, the mystery of the man in the blue pants will continue to haunt the investigation.
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