Fadnavis rules out CBI probe into Ajit Pawar crash until AAIB report
Synopsis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has blocked calls for a CBI takeover of the Ajit Pawar aircraft crash case, citing a legal requirement to await the AAIB's final report — now expected before January. The black box has been fully recovered and the pilot financially cleared, but the political pressure for answers is mounting ahead of the former deputy CM's death anniversary.
Key Takeaways
CM Devendra Fadnavis confirmed on 10 July that a CBI probe cannot begin until the AAIB submits its final report.
A dual investigation by the CID and the AAIB is currently underway into the crash that killed former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar .
All flight data from the aircraft's black box has been fully recovered; a preliminary report has been submitted.
Pilot Sumit Kapoor's financial records were thoroughly checked — no suspicious activity was found.
The AAIB final report is expected before January , ahead of Ajit Pawar's death anniversary, following a special state request to the Centre.
An FIR has been registered in Karnataka , where the crash occurred.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday, 10 July told the State Legislature that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the aircraft crash that killed former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar cannot be initiated until the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) submits its final report. Fadnavis made the statement on the concluding day of the Monsoon Session in response to questions about the pace of the investigation.
Dual Investigation Underway
The Chief Minister confirmed that the case is currently being examined on two parallel tracks — by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and the AAIB. He explained that the CBI is legally required to await the AAIB's conclusive findings before it can formally open its own inquiry.
'The CBI requires the final AAIB report before it can officially initiate its probe,' Fadnavis stated, urging patience from those demanding an immediate federal takeover of the case.
Pilot's Financial Records Cleared
Addressing early suspicions directed at the aircraft's pilot, Sumit Kapoor, Fadnavis said the CID had conducted a thorough examination of all financial records linked to him. 'Every bank account associated with the pilot was checked, but absolutely nothing suspicious was found,' he said, effectively clearing Kapoor of any financial impropriety at this stage of the inquiry.
Black Box Data Recovered, Final Report Expected by January
On the technical front, Fadnavis confirmed that all critical flight data from the aircraft's black box has been fully retrieved, and a preliminary report has already been submitted to authorities. While standard aviation crash investigations typically span three to four years, the state has formally requested an expedited process from the Centre.
'Following a special request to the Central government, the final report is expected before January, ideally ahead of the late leader's death anniversary,' Fadnavis said. He added that the final AAIB report would provide concrete leads for the next phase of investigation — whether by the CBI or the CID.
FIR Registered in Karnataka, Speculation Discouraged
The Chief Minister noted that a First Information Report (FIR) has already been registered in Karnataka, the state where the crash occurred. He urged political leaders and the public to avoid speculation until the legal and investigative processes run their course.
'We must first establish who is legally at fault, and that cannot be done without the official AAIB report. While emotions are running high, the law does not operate on emotion. Any premature action will fail legal scrutiny in court,' Fadnavis said, calling for restraint across party lines.
What Happens Next
With the AAIB final report now expected before January, the investigation is entering a critical phase. The report's findings will determine whether the CBI steps in or the CID continues as the lead agency. The state's push for an accelerated timeline — unusual in aviation probes — reflects the political sensitivity of the case involving a senior leader of Maharashtra's ruling coalition.
Point of View
But the optics of delay are uncomfortable given the victim's stature. The expedited timeline request to the Centre is a political concession to that pressure, not a legal norm. What the state has not addressed is whether the parallel CID probe has produced any independent leads — or whether it is simply holding space until the AAIB concludes. That gap in transparency will continue to fuel speculation regardless of how many times Fadnavis urges restraint.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the CBI not taken over the Ajit Pawar aircraft crash investigation?
The CBI is legally required to await the AAIB's final report before it can formally initiate a probe. CM Fadnavis confirmed on 10 July that until the AAIB concludes its investigation, the CBI cannot officially step in.
When is the AAIB final report on the Ajit Pawar crash expected?
The final AAIB report is expected before January, following a special request by the Maharashtra government to the Centre for an expedited process. Standard aviation crash investigations typically take three to four years.
Was the pilot, Sumit Kapoor, found suspicious in the investigation?
No. The CID thoroughly examined all bank accounts and financial records linked to pilot Sumit Kapoor and found nothing suspicious. Fadnavis confirmed this finding in the State Legislature on 10 July.
Has any FIR been registered in the Ajit Pawar aircraft crash case?
Yes. A First Information Report has been registered in Karnataka, the state where the crash occurred. Fadnavis cited this as part of the ongoing legal process.
What data has been recovered from the crashed aircraft?
All essential flight data from the aircraft's black box has been fully retrieved. A preliminary report has already been submitted, and the final AAIB report is expected to provide concrete leads for further investigation.
