The probe relates to the crash of a Learjet 45 aircraft operated by VSR Ventures that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others near Baramati
Rohit Pawar criticised the authorities for not registering FIR in connection with the crash. File Pic/X
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Friday questioned whether the Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID) had actually interrogated V K Singh, the owner of VSR Ventures, or extended him “royal hospitality” during questioning in connection with the January 28 plane crash in Baramati, reported the PTI.
Singh was summoned to the CID office in Pune on Thursday and was reportedly questioned for more than seven hours. Officials said his statement was recorded and he was allowed to leave the office around 7.30 pm.
The probe relates to the crash of a Learjet 45 aircraft operated by VSR Ventures that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others near Baramati.
In a post on social media, Rohit Pawar alleged that although Singh arrived at the CID office at around 11 am and was said to have been questioned for eight hours, most of that time was reportedly spent extending hospitality to him.
Rohit Pawar further claimed that Singh was later escorted from the CID office in a police vehicle with black-tinted windows “like a guest”.
“No matter how many black curtains are drawn to hide the truth, the sun of truth in this case will eventually rise,” he wrote.
Demand for FIR in crash case
The NCP (SP) leader also criticised the authorities for not registering a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the crash.
“Despite it being our rightful demand, an FIR has still not been registered. On the other hand, the owner of the aircraft that snatched Ajit Dada away from us is being given VIP treatment. Under whose protection?” he asked, according to the PTI.
Pawar also alleged that journalists who had gone to the CID office to cover Singh’s questioning were treated badly by the police.
He questioned whether ruling party legislators who had worked closely with Ajit Pawar and described themselves as his “trusted” colleagues would now raise their voices over the issue.
Investigation
Following the crash, an accidental death report was registered at the Baramati Taluka Police Station, and the case was later transferred to the Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department in Pune.
The state agency earlier said its investigation aims to determine whether sabotage or criminal negligence played a role in the Baramati tragedy, the news agenyc reported.
Days before Singh’s questioning, the CID had sent a questionnaire to VSR Ventures seeking details related to the aircraft and the incident.
AAIB preliminary findings
Rohit Pawar had earlier claimed that findings from the preliminary investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) supported concerns he had raised earlier.
In its 22-page preliminary report, the AAIB noted that visibility at the time of the crash was below the required level. The report also flagged fading runway markings and loose gravel on the runway surface, which could have contributed to the accident.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing.
(with PTI inputs)
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