Ajit Pawar death: NCP workers protest in Pune's Baramati, seek detailed probe into plane crash

Protesters demand transparent probe, pay tribute to Pawar. Representational Pic

NCP workers along with several residents staged a protest in Baramati on Monday, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the January 28 plane crash that claimed the lives of local MLA and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.

According to PTI, the protesters assembled outside the administrative building in the town, holding placards and paying tribute to Pawar while pressing for a detailed and transparent probe into the incident.

"It has been 25 days since the plane crash. There is suspicion surrounding the incident. Leaders like Rohit Pawar (NCP-SP MLA) have analysed the technical aspects of the crash, and there is a demand from the people for a detailed probe," a resident said.

Protesters demand clarity and accountability in crash probe

The protesters said there was a strong sentiment that the investigation should be conducted in a transparent and comprehensive manner.

"With the delay in the probe, there is concern about whether justice will be delivered," another resident said, reported PTI.

He added that a memorandum had been submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate seeking a thorough investigation into the crash.

A woman said the exact reason behind the crash should be made public before February 28, the first monthly anniversary of the tragedy.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Maharashtra government has requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a CBI investigation into the plane crash.

The Mahayuti government will ensure that all doubts regarding the crash are cleared, Fadnavis said at a press conference on Sunday.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol had earlier said that the preliminary report on the plane crash would be released on or before February 28.

‘Never imagined Ajit Pawar and we would ever come together as our parties were opposed': Uddhav Thackeray

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday said he had never imagined that he and the late former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar would join hands, given that their parties were political rivals.

Speaking during the condolence motion in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Thackeray praised Pawar's administrative acumen and described him as a pillar of support during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

"I never imagined that Ajit Pawar and we would ever come together, as our parties were politically opposed. We witnessed two significant mornings - one that shocked everyone with Ajit Pawar's decision, and another that left Maharashtra grieving," he said.

"We came together unexpectedly. Initially, I had reservations. I had no administrative experience when I became Chief Minister. I was surprised when it was decided that Ajit Pawar would be the Deputy Chief Minister. However, once we began working together, I realised I had gained an excellent and generous colleague and friend in Ajit Dada. He became my pillar of support in governance and administration. Whenever I did not understand something, I would consult him. He had the habit of studying every subject in depth," Thackeray added.

(With PTI inputs)