Mumbai, Feb. 19 -- NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday intensified his attack over the January 28 Learjet 45 crash in Baramati that killed former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others, alleging attempts to shield the aircraft's owner, VSR Ventures, and demanding the removal of union civil aviation minister KR Naidu until the probe is completed. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, he also sought an immediate ban on VSR Ventures and called for the appointment of an independent committee to monitor the investigation. He also hinted at the involvement of some NCP leaders in the crash conspiracy, who were not happy with the merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions. Ajit Pawar was travelling to Baramati when his plane crash landed after reportedly failing to spot the runway and burst into flames, leading to his death along with four others. Rohit claimed that the pilot may have been blackmailed, as he was going through personal and financial problems. To support his claim, he said the pilot had been without a job for five years that VSR Ventures had hired him at a significantly lower salary. Calls and text messages to VSR Ventures' owner, Vijaykumar Singh, seeking his comments, went unanswered. Demanding Naidu's removal, the NCP (SP) MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed in Ahilyanagar alleged that the minister represents the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and that its top leaders are close to VSR Ventures, leading to suspicion. "Vijaykumar Singh's son, Rohit Singh's wedding was held in Jaipur two years ago, and top TDP leaders were among the guests. K R Naidu, who belongs to the same party, gave a clean chit to VSR even before the investigation by saying there were 'no safety concerns with Learjet aircraft operated by VSR'," Rohit said. "In such a situation, how can we expect a transparent investigation? We demand Naidu's removal until the probe is completed. I am not saying he was involved, but there is a perception that he is trying to save VSR Ventures," he alleged. Rohit also claimed that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was obtained in 2021, one year before its registration. Referring to NCP-NCP (SP) merger talks with Ajit Pawar, Rohit claimed that there were some NCP leaders who opposed it. He hinted at their involvement and conspiracy behind the crash, without naming anyone. The crash is currently being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), while the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) is conducting a parallel inquiry. Rohit demanded the appointment of an independent panel to monitor the probe and suggested including the leader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi, a retired judge, and members from NCP....