Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: DGCA Under Scrutiny as Banned Airline Operated in India

• Former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's plane crash investigation takes a new turn, raising questions about 'VSR Ventures' safety standards.
• European aviation body EASA banned VSR Ventures a year ago due to 'Level 1' safety deficiencies, indicating severe passenger safety concerns.
• The company failed to provide technical information and internal investigation reports for a September 2023 Mumbai crash, despite multiple EASA reminders.
• EASA informed India's DGCA about the ban, yet VSR Ventures aircraft were used for VIP travel in Maharashtra.
• The Maharashtra government has transferred the investigation of the Baramati crash, which killed five including Ajit Pawar, to the State CID.

Why It Matters: DGCA faces questions on why a globally banned airline was allowed to operate and carry VIPs in India.