Ajit Pawar death: Rohit Pawar says plane crash probe should be handed to two international agencies

NCP-SP MP Rohit Pawar communicates doubts surrounding the demise of his uncle, Ajit Pawar, at a presentation in the city on Tuesday. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) leader Rohit Pawar has demanded that the investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of his uncle, Ajit Pawar, be handed over to an agency under the Central government, as well as two international agencies, instead of being conducted by the state CID, citing the need for greater transparency and credibility. In the aftermath of the deputy chief minister's death, speculation has been rife across Maharashtra over whether the incident was an accident or part of a larger conspiracy.

On Tuesday, Ajit Pawar's nephew, Rohit, an MLA, claimed that like many citizens, he, too, suspected the possibility of foul play. "I am not doubting the CID's intentions, but in such cases, they are not competent enough, as officials are not even allowed full access to airport premises," Rohit said. He alleged that the CID was only collecting CCTV footage and that the probe had not progressed. "This investigation needs to be expedited, or there is scope for manipulation of evidence," he warned, urging that expert agencies be roped in immediately.

During a presentation in Mumbai, Rohit, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar's grandnephew, raised several questions, pointing to issues such as last-minute changes in Ajit Pawar's travel plan, the aviation company's track record, the pilot's credentials, and the aircraft's fitness. He also highlighted unusual communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) during the crisis. "Instead of the traditional ‘May Day' distress call, it is learnt that the words ‘Oh s - ' were used. All this must be investigated," he said.