Opposition Leaders Intensify Demands for Thorough Probe Into Ajit Pawar Aircraft Crash
In the aftermath of the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati that claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, opposition leaders have escalated their demands for a comprehensive investigation, raising multiple questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The crash, which occurred recently, has sparked significant political controversy and public concern.
Sanjay Raut's Suspicious Timeline and Document Survival Claims
Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut has brought forward what he describes as "mysterious" timing in Pawar's death. Raut revealed that Pawar had publicly declared on January 15 that he possessed files allegedly containing evidence of corruption involving Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, promising to make them public. The opposition leader finds it highly suspicious that Pawar died in a plane crash within approximately 10 to 13 days of making this significant statement.
Raut further questioned media reports suggesting that certain documents were found intact near Ajit Pawar's seat despite a fire that reportedly destroyed most of the aircraft and bodies. "How could these documents survive such a devastating crash and fire?" Raut asked, suggesting the documents might have been significant and their survival raises legitimate doubts about the incident's circumstances.
Safety Protocol and Maintenance Concerns Raised
The Shiv Sena leader also raised critical questions about aircraft maintenance and safety protocols. Raut questioned whether the aircraft had valid maintenance clearance and why, in his assessment, standard security and safety measures were not adequately followed for a leader of Ajit Pawar's stature. These concerns echo earlier questions raised by NCP MLC Amol Mitkari, which Raut said reflect growing public doubts that require immediate addressing.
Mitkari had made strong statements on Sunday, declaring, "I am certain that this was not an accident, and that Ajit Dada was 100% betrayed. For that reason, I will continue this fight as long as I am alive. Following Dada's passing, I have decided to dedicate my personal life to the loyalty of his family."
Congress Leader Questions Last-Minute Pilot Change
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has added another layer of suspicion to the growing controversy. Expressing doubts about what he termed Ajit Pawar's "accidental death," Wadettiwar stated, "Something is fishy," while supporting the concerns previously flagged by Mitkari.
Wadettiwar specifically questioned the replacement of the aircraft's pilot at the last moment. "The question remains as to why the pilot was changed at the eleventh hour," he emphasized. The Congress leader further claimed, "The pilot whose name was originally listed is still alive because he either couldn't arrive on time or was replaced by another pilot named Kapoor." Like Raut, Wadettiwar demanded a thorough investigation to uncover what he described as the mystery behind the incident.
Parliamentary Action and Historical Parallels
Sanjay Raut announced his intention to raise the matter in Parliament, including in the Rajya Sabha, vowing to press for accountability until all questions receive satisfactory answers. While stating he was not directly accusing anyone, Raut drew parallels with the death of Justice B H Loya, suggesting that the circumstances surrounding Pawar's death warrant similar close scrutiny and transparent investigation.
Government Response and Investigation Status
The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has initiated a formal investigation into the aircraft accident near Baramati. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dated January 29, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu informed that the investigation had commenced, with assurances that the probe would be conducted in a thorough, transparent and time-bound manner.
According to official communications, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has begun a formal probe under the Aircraft Accident and Incident Rules. Teams from both AAIB and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reached the crash site promptly after the incident. The aircraft's black box has been recovered and secured for detailed examination, which authorities hope will provide crucial insights into the crash's causes.
As political tensions rise and questions multiply, the demand for a transparent investigation continues to grow louder, with opposition leaders maintaining pressure on authorities to address what they see as numerous unexplained aspects of this tragic incident.
