CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday claimed that all other agencies have been compromised and that only a probe under the apex court would be credible
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others were killed in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning. File Pic/X
Opposition leader on Wednesday demanded a probe into the Baramati plane crash leading to Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death as West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the incident.
CM Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday claimed that all other agencies have been compromised and that only a probe under the apex court would be credible.
Speaking to reporters, Banerjee said, “We trust only the Supreme Court. All other agencies have been completely compromised,” reported the PTI.
She added that the truth would not emerge through existing systems.
Several opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, supported Banerjee’s demand for an independent investigation.
Crash should be probed: Congress
Kharge said the crash should be investigated as it was a serious incident. He questioned why a small plane crashed when larger aircraft have had similar accidents in the past. He also offered condolences and said Ajit Pawar’s death was a great loss, according to the PTI.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Banerjee’s demand was justified and called for an impartial inquiry, citing previous similar incidents involving VIPs, reported the PTI.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai also urged a thorough investigation, noting the rising number of private and chartered flights and the recurring technical issues reported after accidents, the news agency reported.
Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here
Ministers reject political claims
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticised Banerjee’s remarks, calling them “dirty politics” and unfair during a time of mourning. He said such comments should have waited until after the last rites and accused her of acting for political gain, according to the PTI.
BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra said the Pune incident should be fully investigated.
Preliminary details of the plane crash
The Learjet 45, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, crash-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft was carrying five people, including Ajit Pawar, his security officer, an attendant, and two crew members.
Union Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said that initial information suggested poor visibility at the time of landing. He explained that during the first approach, the pilots reported that the runway was not in sight, prompting a go-around. On the second attempt, the runway was reported as visible, and landing clearance was given. Moments later, the aircraft crashed.
Teams from the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have arrived to probe the accident. Naidu said the investigation would be carried out transparently and more details would be released as they emerge.
(with PTI inputs)
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