A day after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) MLA Rohit Pawar raised questions about the Baramati air crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the father of flight attendant Pinky Mali has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, reported the PTI. Pinky Mali was among the five people who died in the crash on January 28. Speaking to PTI, Shivkumar Mali said both possibilities — accident and sabotage — must be examined. “Whether it was an accident or sabotage, both aspects should be investigated by the government,” he said. He added that the truth must come out and that his daughter should receive justice. He also said he found substance in the suspicions expressed by Rohit Pawar and NCP legislator Amol Mitkari, according to the PTI. Questions over last-minute changes Mali said his daughter was flying with Ajit Pawar for the fifth time when the crash occurred. Referring to media reports, he claimed that both the aircraft and the pilot were changed at the last minute. He urged investigating agencies to examine these developments carefully. He also questioned the explanation given by the private company that the pilot was replaced because the original pilot was stuck in traffic. “There is usually no heavy traffic on Mumbai roads around 6.30 am,” he said. He added that the tragedy might not have occurred if an experienced pilot had been flying the aircraft. Rohit Pawar seeks multi-agency probe On Tuesday, Rohit Pawar raised several questions about the sequence of events leading up to the crash. He alleged there were reasons to suspect sabotage and called for a comprehensive investigation by multiple expert agencies. Family background Pinky Mali lived in Thane with her husband. According to her father, she had visited her parents in Prabhadevi, central Mumbai, on January 15 to cast her vote in the civic body elections. Investigations into the crash are ongoing. Rohit Pawar questions last-minute changes, suspects sabotage Rohit Pawar had on Tuesday questioned last-minute changes and suspected sabotage angle in Ajit Pawar's death. Rohit Pawar made a detailed presentation to address doubts surrounding the circumstances in the plane crash near Baramati last month. The late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in an airplane crash on January 28, 2026. Speaking at a press conference after the presentation, Rohit Pawar raised questions about last-minute changes in Ajit Pawar’s travel plans. Rohit Pawar said that his uncle Ajit Pawar was originally scheduled to travel from Mumbai to Pune on the evening of January 27, and his convoy was also ready. However, a meeting with a senior leader delayed him, leading to a change in plans and travel being shifted to the morning of January 28. Rohit Pawar said that Ajit Pawar was always cautious about flying and avoided unnecessary risks. Although he reached the airport on time, the flight departed late, he added. Rohit Pawar raises sabotage suspicions angle Rohit Pawar alleged that there were grounds to suspect sabotage in the air crash that killed his uncle. He demanded a comprehensive investigation by multiple expert agencies, including international bodies. Notably, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has earlier ruled out any conspiracy and described the incident as an accident. Rohit Pawar said the Crime Investigation Department (CID) alone would not have sufficient authority to probe the case thoroughly. He called for an independent investigation involving agencies such as the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis (BEA), the UK-based Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), along with Indian agencies. He also raised concerns that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) functions under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which could limit the scope of an independent inquiry. लाईव्ह |📍मुंबई | पत्रकारांशी संवाद |🗓️10-02-2026 https://t.co/9XAKinUZZx — Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) February 10, 2026 (with PTI inputs)
11 February,2026 09:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday demolished 61 illegal structures along Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Road in Mulund West, clearing nearly 1,100 square metres of encroached land near the railway station area. The anti-encroachment drive was carried out by the civic body’s T Ward under the supervision of Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 6) Santoshkumar Dhonde and Assistant Municipal Commissioner Yogita Kolhe. Multiple departments under the ward office jointly participated in the operation. Four JCB machines, seven dumpers and other equipment were deployed to carry out the demolition. Around 70 civic officials and staff members, along with adequate police personnel, were present to maintain law and order during the exercise. Civic officials said the crackdown on unauthorised constructions will continue in the coming days as part of ongoing efforts to keep public spaces free of encroachments. Navi Mumbai civic body demolishes illegal buildings in Airoli Earlier last week, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) stepped up its crackdown on unauthorised constructions, carrying out a demolition drive in Airoli on the instructions of NMMC chief Dr Kailas Shinde. The drive was conducted under the guidance of Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Rahul Gethe and Deputy Commissioner (Encroachment) Dr Kailas Gaikwad, with the encroachment department taking action against illegal structures raised without civic permissions in Sector 2, Airoli. Civic officials said unauthorised constructions were detected at two sites — SS-II/B-229 and SS-II/B-230 — allegedly developed by property owners Baban Babu Pawar and Premanand Prajapati, along with contractor Gufran Khan and architect Omkar Nirgude, without NMMC approval. The G Division office had earlier issued notices under Section 54 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, directing those concerned to remove the illegal constructions. However, as the notices were ignored and work continued, the civic body proceeded with the demolition. The partial demolition was carried out under the supervision of Nainesh S Badle, Assistant Commissioner and Division Officer, Airoli. Officials said a penalty of Rs 5,000 per structure was imposed, with a total of Rs 10,000 recovered as punitive charges. NMMC officials warned that strict action will continue against unauthorised constructions across the city and urged citizens to obtain proper permissions before undertaking any building activity.
11 February,2026 09:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDadar's Tilak bridge in central Mumbai will be temporarily closed for heavy vehicles for three months, the Mumbai Traffic Police said on Wednesday. The move is aimed at easing traffic congestion and ensuring smoother movement of vehicles in the area, said an official. The decision comes amid ongoing reconstruction work on the Elphinstone flyover and the Sion ROB bridge, which has increased traffic on alternative routes such as Dharavi and Tilak Bridge, according to an official traffic notification. The closure will be effective from February 12, 2026 to May 12, 2026, every day from 7 am to 11 pm. It applies to heavy vehicles such as tankers, mixers, dumpers, trailers and similar vehicles. The order has been issued under the powers of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and will be enforced by the Traffic Divisions of Matunga and Dadar. Alternative routes for heavy vehicles The Mumbai Traffic Police said that arrangements were made for several alternative routes for heavy vehicles travelling towards or passing through the Tilak flyover area. - Alternative Route 1 (From Mulund, Mankhurd, Navi Mumbai and outside Mumbai): Vehicles heading towards Tilak flyover via B.A. Road, Dadar East (South-bound) must not use the flyover. Instead, they must take a right turn at Sion Hospital Junction and follow the route via Sulochana Shetty Marg, Kumbharwada Junction, Kataria Marg, Kataria Bridge, Asavari Junction, Veer Savarkar Road, Shivaji Park, Chaityabhoomi Signal, Siddhivinayak Temple Junction, Lenin Grad, Appasaheb Marathe Chowk, and Babasaheb Worlikar Chowk to reach their destination. - Alternative Route 2 (Heavy Vehicles from B.A. Road, South-bound): Heavy vehicles coming from B.A. Road, Dadar East (South-bound) should take the route via Dadar T.T. Junction, Broadway Junction, Kohinoor Junction, Shindewadi, Hindmata Bridge, Parel Workshop, Lalbaug Bridge, Bharat Mata Signal, Garam Khada Signal, and Chinchpokli Bridge. - Alternative Route 3 (B.A. Road North-bound): Heavy vehicles travelling north on B.A. Road must not use the Tilak flyover. They should continue straight from Dadar T.T. Circle via Maheshwari Circle, Arora Junction, Sion Hospital Junction, and then follow the route via Sulochana Shetty Marg, Kumbharwada Junction, Kataria Road, Kataria Bridge, Veer Savarkar Road, Shivaji Park, Chaityabhoomi Signal, Siddhivinayak Mandir Junction, Lenin Grad, Appasaheb Marathe Chowk, and Babasaheb Worlikar Chowk. - Alternative Route 4 (From Sena Bhavan / L.J. Road): Vehicles from Sena Bhavan and L.J. Road should take the route via Shobha Hotel, Kataria Road, Kumbharwada Junction, Sulochana Shetty Marg, and Sion Hospital to proceed towards Sion. Reason for the Closure The traffic police noted that the area has been facing daily traffic jams and difficulties for emergency vehicles. The closure aims to improve traffic flow and ensure safety while major reconstruction work continues in nearby areas.
11 February,2026 09:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviThe Maharashtra government will frame a separate rulebook for cinema artistes, technicians and workers in accordance with the new Labour Code to protect their interests, state minister Akash Fundkar said on Wednesday. The Labour Minister, who chaired a meeting of representatives of film artistes, said a draft of the proposed regulations would be prepared and suggestions would be invited from experts and stakeholders in the arts sector. The final rulebook would be formulated after giving positive consideration to the feedback received, he added. The meeting discussed the preparation of an independent rulebook for film artistes in accordance with the new Labour Code. Senior officials of the Labour Department and noted film actors Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon were present at the meeting. "A detailed discussion was held on issues concerning social security, wages, insurance, working hours, welfare schemes and implementation of provisions of the Labour Code for artistes, technicians, and workers in the film industry. "The meeting placed special emphasis on providing legal protection to film artistes through a dedicated regulatory framework," said an official.Fundkar said a separate and effective rulebook would be prepared within the framework of the new Labour Code to safeguard the interests of artistes and allied workers in the film sector. Necessary measures would be implemented to ensure their social and economic security, he added. On behalf of CINTAA (Cine and Television Artistes Association), actors Kolhapure and Dhillon raised various issues faced by artistes, technicians, assistants and workers across different departments in the film industry. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
11 February,2026 08:09 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIA day after Raj Thackeray alleged that leading figures from various sectors attended an RSS event out of fear of the Modi government, former Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Wednesday said the MNS chief himself was “too scared” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Several Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Karan Johar, along with serving IAS officers, were present at the interactive session with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over the weekend. "I do not think they came out of fear. Raj Thackeray is too scared of Modi," Koshyari told PTI in Nashik when asked about Thackeray's comment. "Like Lord Ram, all citizens are the same to Modi. I respect Raj; he is like a younger brother. He shouldn't be scared of Modi but should instead go closer to him. He should be scared of wrongdoing. You are in the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," the veteran BJP leader said. During the event in Mumbai, Bhagwat, responding to a question on the language row, said the "localised disease" should not spread. Reacting to this, Thackeray said that if Bhagwat felt that love for one's language and state was a disease, then a majority of the states suffered from it, but he does not give "sermons" to other states. Raj Thackeray slams RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over language remarks Raj Thackeray on Tuesday strongly criticised Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks on language-related protests. The MNS chief asserted that linguistic and regional identities are a legitimate and enduring reality in India. While taking it to social media platform X, Raj Thackeray referred to Bhagwat's statement made at an event in Mumbai on February 8, where the RSS chief reportedly said that being adamant about language and protesting for it is a "disease". ८ फेब्रुवारी २०२६ रोजी मुंबईतल्या एका कार्यक्रमात सरसंघचालक श्री. मोहन भागवत यांनी, भाषेबद्दल आग्रही राहणे, त्यासाठी वेळेस आंदोलन करणे हा एक आजार आहे अशा आशयाचं विधान केलं. या कार्यक्रमाला विविध क्षेत्रातील मान्यवरांना बोलावण्यात आले होते, त्यातले काही हजर देखील होते ! परंतु… — Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) February 10, 2026 Questioning the RSS chief’s remarks, Thackeray said love for one's language and region cannot be dismissed in such a manner. While posting on social media platform X, Raj Thackeray wrote, "Various dignitaries from different fields had been invited to this event, and some of them were actually present too! But I want to tell Mohanrao Bhagwat one thing: those people hadn't come out of love for you, but because of the governmental fear of Narendra Modi! Otherwise, why has no one ever shown up for such rambling sermons until now?” Thackeray also added, “So first, come out of the misconception that those folks had come for you! Anyway... at the root of it, the history of why linguistic state reorganisation had to happen in this country – we assume Bhagwat must certainly know about that!" Citing strong linguistic identities across states, Raj also added, "If love for language and love for one's region feel like a disease, then that disease exists in the majority of states in this country." MNS chief further alleged that resentment builds when migrants from other states reject local culture and language, adding that such tensions cannot be brushed aside as a "disease". Thackeray also questioned why similar lessons on harmony were not delivered in states that have witnessed linguistic or regional unrest in the past. (With PTI inputs)
11 February,2026 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) on Wednesday said that it has launched TISS Global, a new international forum aimed at sharing India’s development journey with the world, an official statement said. It said that the initiative was unveiled as part of TISS’s 90th anniversary celebrations. TISS Global is designed to bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, civil society leaders, and students from across the world. It seeks to create a platform for dialogue, collaborative learning and shared knowledge on India’s social, economic and political progress, the statement said. The forum was launched by Prof. Badri Narayan Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor of TISS, in the presence of Prof. Michael Pippenger, Vice President of the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA. Prof. Tiwari said that as India becomes a major global actor, it is important to reflect on its development paths and share its experiences for mutual learning. Prof. Pippenger emphasised the value of partnerships between educational institutions to address global challenges together. TISS Global will highlight India’s rapid economic growth and vibrant democracy as valuable perspectives in global discussions. The platform will focus on grassroots experiences, especially from the Global South and the Indian subcontinent, and will explore topics such as governance, sustainability, social transformation and innovation. It aims to show how India’s development model, social movements and policy innovations can offer useful lessons to other regions facing similar challenges. Series of events during the 90th year Throughout its 90th year, TISS Global will host a series of events that explore the social, cultural and political aspects of India’s development. The forum will connect local knowledge with global frameworks and demonstrate how community-driven approaches can support fair and sustainable development worldwide. The initiative aims to create new pathways in global social science research by linking research, policy and practice. It will encourage comparative studies, ethical collaborations and participatory engagement that crosses national boundaries. The forum also seeks to bring Indian perspectives into global knowledge systems and support research rooted in local realities. Cultural exchange and wider engagement Along with academic discussions, TISS Global will also offer opportunities to experience Indian culture and cuisine, providing deeper context to India’s development story and its growing global influence. Acknowledging the Team Behind the Initiative The launch event also included remarks by Prof. Madhushree Sekher, Chairperson, Office for International Affairs, Prof. Sunil Santha, Dean, Academic Affairs, Prof. Bipin Jojo, Dean, School of Social Work, Dr. Narendra Mishra, Registrar, TISS. The institute said the launch reaffirms TISS’s commitment to advancing social science education, research and community engagement.
11 February,2026 06:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra will host a major global summit on Artificial Intelligence in agriculture later this month, as part of its ambitious plan to build a data-driven, technology-enabled farming ecosystem. The “Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and Investment Summit (AI for Agri 2026)” will be held on February 22 and 23 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane announced on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference at Mantralaya, Bharane said the summit aims to ensure that farmers in Maharashtra gain access to global AI-driven technologies and innovative agricultural practices under the Maharashtra Agriculture–Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025–2029. Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture) Vikas Chandra Rastogi and Agriculture Commissioner Suraj Mandhare were also present. Rs 500 crore approved for AI Agriculture Policy The state government has approved Rs 500 crore in the first phase to implement the AI-focused agriculture policy, which seeks to create a robust digital ecosystem in farming and allied sectors. Key digital platforms under development include: MahaAgriX (Maharashtra Agriculture Data Exchange) AI-enabled traceability systems AI-based geospatial intelligence engine Farmer-centric advisory platform MahaVistar An institutional centre for Artificial Intelligence and Agritech Innovation has also been established to drive implementation. Bharane described AI for Agri 2026 as a “significant milestone” in Maharashtra’s agricultural development journey. The policy, he said, was shaped under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, drawing inspiration from the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s emphasis on modernising agriculture. Global Participation and Investment Focus The two-day summit will bring together policymakers, scientists, startups, investors, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), financial institutions, and representatives from farming communities. Global and national partners include the World Economic Forum (WEF), FAO, UNDP, IFAD, World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank (ADB), ICRISAT, IISc, and M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF). Prominent speakers are expected to include: Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder of Infosys and Founding Chairman of UIDAI Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF J. Satyanarayana, Chief Advisor, C4IR India, World Economic Forum Focus on Women Farmers and Inclusive AI With the United Nations declaring 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers, special sessions will focus on empowering women farmers through inclusive AI systems, leadership, and equitable access to technology. Panel discussions will cover themes such as: Advanced AI and emerging technologies in agriculture Digital public infrastructure for Agri-AI Responsible AI and global governance Investment and scalable innovation in agritech Global research collaboration Exhibition, MoUs and CEO Roundtable The summit will feature a two-day innovation exhibition with 30 leading agritech startups.
11 February,2026 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Coastal Road on Wednesday officially got an addition of India's first-ever ‘Melody Road’ that was inaugurated by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and in presence of deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Mumbai is reportedly only the fifth city in the world where this technology has been deployed so far. The project was inaugurated on February 11, 2026 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale. Following the inauguration, CM Fadnavis, Shinde and others travelled along the stretch to experience the musical road themselves. As vehicles pass over the specially designed 500-metre stretch at a set speed, the road plays the tune of ‘Jai Ho’, the popular song from the film Slumdog Millionaire. Officials said, "This is the first musical road not only in Mumbai but also in the entire country. The initiative is seen as another innovative addition to the city’s infrastructure." When vehicles travel over these grooves at a speed of around 70 to 80 km/h, the tune of ‘Jai Ho’ from the film Slumdog Millionaire becomes audible inside the vehicle. The sound is produced by the friction between the tyres and the textured road surface. To alert approaching drivers, signboards have been placed inside the tunnel at intervals of 500 metres, 100 metres and 60 metres before the musical stretch. The rumble strips The musical road has been developed using technology from Hungary. Here's all about the 500-metre musical stretch India’s first-ever ‘Melody Road’ on the Coastal Road, officially known as the Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Marg. The officials said that the grooves, commonly referred to as rumble strips, have been installed at carefully measured and fixed intervals. The musical effect is created by the friction between the tyres and the road surface as vehicles pass over them. To give motorists advance warning, signboards have been placed inside the tunnel at distances of 500 metres, 100 metres and 60 metres before the stretch. Highly innovative After the inauguration, Maharashtra CM Fadnavis said, "After seeing the response from the motorists, further more such innovations will be added." Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde who was present during the unveiling of the newly introduced concept said, "The concept is highly innovative and is expected to inspire a sense of patriotism among citizens. He described the experience of hearing the tune while driving as unique and enjoyable." He added that the project currently covers around 500 metres but may be extended further in the future. Shinde congratulated the Hungarian Consul General present at the event for supporting the initiative. He also thanked MP Rahul Shewale for proposing the idea of introducing a melody road in Mumbai. The state government expressed confidence that similar creative projects would continue to be introduced for the benefit and enjoyment of citizens.
11 February,2026 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Legislative Council's privileges committee has summoned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare for a hearing over their alleged insulting remarks against Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde, news agency PTI reported. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Prasad Lad, who is the chairperson of the privileges committee, while speaking to the media on Wednesday, said that the notice was issued to Kamra and Andhare 15 days ago. Lad added that Kamra and Andhare have been asked to appear before the committee for a hearing at 2 pm on Thursday, PTI reported. "If they fail to turn up after two summons, the committee will decide on action against them," the BJP MLC emphasised. In March 2025, Kamra posted his video 'Naya Bharat', in which he sang a parody of 'Bholi Si Surat', a popular song from the Bollywood movie 'Dil To Pagal Hai'. In the parody song, he allegedly targeted the Maharashtra Deputy CM, leading to multiple first information reports (FIRs) against him. Breach of privilege notice moved against Kunal Kamra A breach of privilege motion was moved by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar over "derogatory remarks" against Shinde, whose party is a constituent of the BJP-led Mahayuti. The stand-up comedian, who has often courted controversy for his anti-establishment views, targeted Shinde in a song parody last year, indirectly referring to him as a traitor without naming him. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Andhare had allegedly supported Kamra over his remark on the deputy CM. Kunal Kamra on his return as comedian Although Kunal Kamra has continued engaging audiences through podcasts on his channel, he has not returned to live stand-up performances since the incident. He mentioned this in a statement shared on Instagram in December 2025. Kamra addressed questions about the future of his stand-up career in the post. He requested people not to ask about his return to the stage, saying he himself does not know when that will happen. He also highlighted the exhausting legal process involved before performing a stand-up act. “It’s a question I ask myself. The answer is, I don’t think I’m ready to fight for this anymore. Every venue, every show, permissions from authorities, conditional declarations of what I can say and what I can’t, and the court cases that follow the jokes eventually. There’s no road for wanting to do stand-up in the true sense. There are two options: say what is allowed and adjust to invisible rules and non-existent laws, or just wait and enjoy the waiting,” Kamra wrote in an Instagram story. (With inputs from PTI)
11 February,2026 04:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated India's first 'musical road' as part of the Mumbai Coastal Road on the northbound stretch from Marine Drive to Worli on Wednesday morning. As part of the project, motorists will be able to hear musical notes after exiting the northbound tunnel, as special rumble strips or grooves have been laid along the lane next to the median over a 500-metre stretch. When vehicles pass over the grooves at a speed of around 70–80 kmph, ‘Jai Ho’ from the film Slumdog Millionaire can be heard inside the vehicle due to the friction between the tyres and the road. Fadnavis also took a drive on the coastal road as part of the inauguration. Speaking on the occasion, he said the concept was first implemented in Hungary. “This is the first time such a road has been built in India using Hungarian technology.” Signboards have been installed inside the tunnel at distances of 500 metres, 100 metres, and 60 metres to alert motorists approaching the grooves.
11 February,2026 04:49 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is conducting a critical probe into the plane crash that claimed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s life, and urged that no conclusions be drawn until the investigation is complete. He also confirmed that the aircraft's black box has been recovered and that investigations are underway on multiple fronts. Pawar and four others were killed when the Learjet aircraft crashed near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district on January 28. Describing the DGCA inquiry into the incident as "very important," Fadnavis stressed the need to wait for its findings. The CM was speaking to reporters in response to questions about Ajit Pawar's nephew and MLA Rohit Pawar's claims and concerns regarding the plane crash. Rohit Pawar on Tuesday had raised several questions regarding the sequence of events leading up to the crash. He alleged that there was reason to suspect sabotage in the tragic incident that killed his uncle, and demanded a comprehensive probe by multiple expert agencies. Fadnavis said, "I have not personally seen what Rohit Pawar said. I am somewhat aware of it. I believe that if anyone has any doubts, they should be addressed. From this perspective, the investigative agencies available under Indian law have already begun the kind of investigation expected in such cases." The chief minister added that he was the first to write to the Union aviation ministry seeking a detailed probe into the accident that claimed the lives of Pawar, the pilot, the co-pilot, and two others. "If we can learn from the errors or shortcomings in our civil aviation sector, we can fix them and make it safer for civilians and leaders as well," he said. NCP MLA Rohit Pawar questions official cause, says Ajit Pawar’s plane crash not due to visibility Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday expressed renewed doubts about the circumstances of his uncle Ajit Pawar's plane crash, suggesting the possibility of a conspiracy. According to the news agency ANI, while speaking at a press conference, he questioned the role of the aviation company. Citing statements from Manoj Pawar, the handler of Arrow company, the NCP (SP) leader indicated that poor visibility in Baramati may not have caused the crash. "Ajit Pawar was a prominent political leader in Maharashtra. People have doubts about his plane crash. We have compiled some information over the last 13 days based on our sources. We are emotional about this matter. The most important point here is that Manoj Pawar is the handler of the Arrow company," Rohit Pawar said, reported ANI. (With PTI and ANI)
11 February,2026 04:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
