Exclusive: VIPs seen onboard the VSR Jets grounded for 'gaps' by DGCA
India Today
An India Today visual investigation has found that several prominent politicians and film stars had flown on these now-grounded aircraft in the past.
Weeks after the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an air crash, India's aviation regulator has grounded four additional chartered aircraft operated by VSR Ventures for failing to meet regulatory standards. All four belong to the same Learjet series — one of which crashed on January 28 in Baramati.
An India Today visual investigation has found that several prominent politicians and film stars had flown on these now-grounded aircraft in the past.
Passengers aboard these jets included Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, actor-turned-politician Vijay and superstar Rajinikanth, among others. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seen with one of the grounded VSR aircraft.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said it identified evidence of "gaps in maintenance procedures" in at least four aircraft operated by the Delhi-based charter company. While the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to release its preliminary report into the fatal crash later, the DGCA had already ordered a special safety audit of VSR Ventures.
"The multi-disciplinary audit team observed several instances of non-compliance with approved procedures within the organisation in the areas of airworthiness, air safety and flight operations," the regulator said in a statement.
Four business jets — VT-VRA, VT-VRS, VT-VRV and VT-TRI — out of the seven Learjet aircraft operated by VSR Ventures were grounded on Tuesday. Aircraft VT-SSK crashed on January 28, killing the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister along with the crew. According to the company’s website, VSR Ventures operates a total fleet of 12 aircraft: seven Learjets, three Beechcraft, one Pilatus and one Embraer.
For years, Ram Setu has been invoked as "national heritage" in political discourse. But an RTI response reveals that, in official records, its status remains "nil".
Two LPG tankers tracked by India Today's OSINT team have taken the new route via Larak-Qeshm to cross the Strait of Hormuz.
What began as an abuse complaint has snowballed into a massive scandal involving rape allegations, hidden camera evidence, fraud and even murder claims, as more victims come forward against a Nashik godman.
From April 2026, the Delhi government is planning to recover over Rs 38,000 crore in dues to discoms.
The bill could increase total Lok Sabha seats to 816, reserving 273 for women, marking a major push to enhance female representation in Parliament based on the 2011 census.
Students told the Mahila Congress that the LPG shortage had disrupted their daily meals. They said the hostel administration had altered the menu, reduced one meal and discontinued evening tea in recent days.
India's consumer courts promise quick justice, but rising backlogs and staff shortages tell a different story. As cases pile up, the gap between what the system offers and what it delivers is widening.
A second patient died within 72 hours at RG Kar Hospital, with his family alleging that a lack of stretcher and basic facilities forced the critically ill man to walk 100 metres, leading to his death.
As Parliament prepares to bring amendments to the Transgender Act, activists warn the proposed changes risk rolling back years of hard-won rights.
A high-speed boat crash in the Maldives has left two Indians missing, including a celebrated rally figure, even as Gautam Singhania returns home. Search teams continue efforts amid mounting concern and unanswered questions.
A prominent seer, Pranavananda Swamiji, alleged that mutts backing Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the top post were denied any allocation in the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He reiterated his support for Shivakumar to take over as the chief minister.
India's original Dhurandhar, Ravindra Kaushik, rose from acting at college theatres, to infiltrating the Pakistan Army as a RAW Agent. He provided critical intelligence on Pakistani troop movements and the country's nuclear programme, but died a lonely death after his betrayal and subsequent capture by the ISI.