Source India Today
Nearly a month after the reported death of senior Maharashtra leader Ajit Pawar, an official probe into the incident has flagged multiple safety shortcomings at the Baramati airfield, raising concerns about infrastructure standards and regulatory compliance at the privately operated facility.
According to preliminary findings accessed by officials familiar with the investigation, the inquiry has pointed to lapses in runway safety protocols, emergency response preparedness, and coordination between ground staff and flight operators. Investigators are examining whether these gaps may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
The Baramati airfield, located in Maharashtra’s Pune district, is primarily used for small aircraft operations, pilot training, and chartered flights. Sources indicate that issues such as inadequate perimeter security, insufficient lighting systems, and limited on-site medical infrastructure were among the deficiencies highlighted in the review.
Authorities are also scrutinizing documentation related to aircraft maintenance records, pilot clearances, and weather condition assessments at the time of the incident. Officials stressed that the probe remains ongoing and that final conclusions will be drawn only after technical experts submit a comprehensive report.
In response to the findings, state aviation authorities have reportedly initiated corrective measures, including a fresh safety audit and temporary operational restrictions in specific zones of the airfield. Officials have emphasized that strengthening safety compliance is a priority to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The incident sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political circles, with leaders across party lines expressing grief and demanding a transparent investigation. As the probe progresses, the focus remains on accountability and systemic reforms in regional aviation infrastructure.
Further updates are expected once the final report is tabled before the concerned regulatory bodies.
