Late NCP chief Ajit Pawar’s nephew says state CID lacks competence to investigate incident
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.
Rohit further demanded that the state discontinue using VSR Aviation’ services, alleging that despite multiple flaws, the company continues to ferry important political personalities.
“I have lost my uncle, but other leaders should not be made to risk their lives,” he said, calling for scrutiny of call logs of the aviation company owners, the pilot, and other staff linked to the flight that met with an accident at Baramati on January 28.
Asked whether he suspected the involvement of any political party or leader, Rohit maintained that he did not wish to politicise the tragedy. “I am not blaming any leadership or party. But answers are needed for the questions that many people associated with Ajit Dada are asking about the plane crash,” he said.
Dada's words
Rohit also shared an anecdote from a past conversation with his uncle. “I once told Ajit Kaka that one of his friends had purchased a plane. He replied, ‘Good. If you trust him, use his plane’. I don’t know what made him say that, but when I join the dots now, it feels like he wanted to tell me something,” Rohit said, adding that several unanswered questions remain, deepening doubts over whether it was merely an accident or something more of a conspiracy and plot.
mid-day contacted VSR Aviation, the operator of VT-SSK Learjet 45 involved in the crash, on Tuesday evening, but received no reply by press time.
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