Rohit Pawar Alleges Political Cover-Up in Ajit Pawar Air Crash Investigation
In a dramatic turn of events, Rohit Pawar, the nephew of Ajit Pawar and an NCP (SP) MLA, has escalated his claims regarding the air crash involving his uncle. On Wednesday, he alleged that a political person with aviation experience was involved in blocking a report on a 2023 crash of an airplane belonging to the same company, VSR Ventures. This accusation follows his earlier suggestion of possible sabotage behind Ajit Pawar's air crash.
Political Interference Alleged in Crash Report
Rohit Pawar stated, "If the report on the 2023 air crash had come out, maybe Ajit Pawar's air crash would have been prevented." He implied that the suppression of this report could have contributed to the subsequent accident. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that a probe into the accident is already underway and urged against casting aspersions on the investigation process.
Land Purchase Probe Report Nearing Submission
Simultaneously, a committee led by Vikas Kharge is investigating alleged irregularities in a Mundhwa land purchase deed linked to Parth Pawar, the son of the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The panel, granted a one-week extension, is expected to submit its detailed report by Friday. State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed, "The panel is expected to submit the detailed report by Friday. The further course of action will be decided after." The five-member committee, headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Kharge, sought seven additional days due to the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections scheduled for Saturday.
Doubts Cast on Probe Outcomes
A senior revenue department official indicated that the inquiry report is in its final stages. However, activist Vijay Kumbhar expressed skepticism, noting, "Parth Pawar was given a clean chit in the EOW case. Here too, the committee is unlikely to name him." This sentiment highlights concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of the investigations.
Broader Implications and Public Scrutiny
The allegations by Rohit Pawar have sparked significant public and political debate, raising questions about accountability and safety in aviation incidents. The intertwining of the air crash probe with the land purchase investigation adds layers of complexity, suggesting potential political ramifications. As the deadline for the land purchase report approaches, all eyes are on the findings and whether they will address the broader issues of governance and integrity in Maharashtra.
