25 March,2026 06:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Yogesh Kadam. Pic/X
Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam on Wednesday asserted that there was no delay or negligence in registering a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the death of senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier this year, reported news agency PTI.
He was responding to allegations made by NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, who had claimed that he was compelled to file a Zero FIR in Karnataka after police in Maharashtra allegedly refused to register a case.
Kadam clarified that in incidents such as air crashes, authorities first register an Accidental Death Report (ADR), following which an FIR may be filed if required, reported PTI.
He emphasised that the process followed in this case was as per standard procedure and rejected claims that the police were reluctant to act.
"A wrong message is being spread that we do not want to register an FIR. We also want justice in this case," Kadam said, adding that there has been no delay or laxity in the investigation, reported PTI.
The minister acknowledged that the incident has raised concerns among party workers and the public but maintained that the investigation is being conducted diligently, reported PTI.
He said the government is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent inquiry into the January 28 crash near Baramati.
The controversy follows Rohit Pawar's claim that he had to register a Zero FIR in Karnataka due to inaction in Maharashtra. A Zero FIR allows a complaint to be filed in any jurisdiction and later transferred to the appropriate police station.
The FIR filed in Karnataka has since been transferred to Maharashtra Police for further investigation.
Rohit Pawar had earlier alleged in the state assembly that there was a delay in registering the FIR and questioned the handling of the case, including the timing of transferring the probe to central agencies.
He also raised concerns about possible negligence linked to the crash and called for a more detailed investigation.
Kadam reiterated that the government is fully committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice. He stressed that due legal procedures are being followed and that no aspect of the case is being overlooked, reported PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
