The Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced its investigation into the tragic plane crash near Baramati airstrip that resulted in the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others on Wednesday. The state government ordered the CID to investigate the cause of death. The CID will be carrying out its inquiry based on the findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

The small aircraft, a Learjet 45, which took off from Mumbai around 8:10 am, crashed approximately 200 metres from the end of the tabletop runway at Baramati airport during a landing attempt at approximately 8:45 am. Pawar was en route to Baramati to address rallies for the Zilla Parishad elections scheduled for February 5.

Along with Ajit Pawar, the crash claimed the lives of Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had 15,000 hours of flying experience, co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, who had logged 1,500 hours, personal security officer Vidip Jadhav, and flight attendant Pinky Mali. The bodies were released to their families after procedure. The last rites for Ajit Pawar were conducted with full state honors in Baramati on Thursday. Numerous dignitaries, including Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari, attended the funeral.

Following the crash, an accidental death report (ADR) was registered by the Pune Rural Police with the Baramati taluka police station. As per protocol, the ADR has been handed over to the Maharashtra CID for a thorough investigation. Additional Director-General of Police (CID) Sunil Ramanand stated that the state government has requested a detailed investigation report on the matter and that the CID will submit its report after examining all aspects of the case.

A special team from the AAIB reached the crash site on Wednesday evening to begin a forensic examination. The AAIB, which operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has taken charge of the investigation into the crash. In addition, a team of three officers from the AAIB in Delhi, along with three officials from the Mumbai regional office of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), also arrived at the crash site to commence the probe.

The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), often referred to as the "black boxes," of the aircraft were recovered on Thursday. These devices are considered critical for understanding the sequence of events that led to the crash. A source familiar with the investigation indicated that data extraction from the black boxes could take two to four weeks. Investigators will analyze cockpit communications, pilot decisions, and interactions with air traffic control to determine the exact causes of the accident.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has assured that measures have been taken to secure the crash site and prevent any interference with the investigation. Local police have been instructed to cordon off the area to allow investigators to carry out their work without hindrance.