Loni Bhapkar Village Shuts Down, Demands Thorough Probe into Ajit Pawar's Fatal Plane Crash
In a strong display of solidarity and demand for justice, residents of Loni Bhapkar village, situated approximately 75 kilometers from Pune in the Baramati assembly constituency, observed a complete bandh on Sunday. The shutdown was called to press for a detailed and transparent investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on January 28.
Village Unites in Suspicion of Conspiracy
Villagers expressed that Loni Bhapkar has been a steadfast supporter of Ajit Pawar over the years. The decision to call for the bandh emerged after various media reports and discussions suggested the possibility of a conspiracy behind the tragic crash in Baramati. Geetanjali Bhapkar, the village sarpanch, highlighted this concern in a formal letter to the police, stating, "After reviewing multiple reports related to Ajit dada's plane crash, there is a growing suspicion that it may not have been a mere accident but an act of sabotage. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation is imperative."
Unanimous Support and Personal Loss
Former sarpanch Ravindra Bhapkar emphasized that the village, with a population of around 4,200, unanimously agreed last week to observe the bandh. He shared a personal connection, saying, "I have worked closely with Ajitdada for over 25 years. He was our go-to person for development projects, and he always addressed our issues promptly. He served as a crucial support system and took a genuine interest in the village's progress. His death feels like a personal loss to all of us." He added that not a single resident opposed the shutdown call, underscoring the village's unwavering support for Ajit Pawar, even after the split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Demands for Transparency and Evidence
The villagers have put forth specific demands to ensure a fair probe. They are calling for all evidence related to the crash to be made public, including travel details and CCTV footage from before the incident. Ravindra Bhapkar explained, "Media reports have fueled suspicions about the crash. We are advocating for a proper and transparent investigation. This protest aims to send a clear message to both the state and central governments to acknowledge the escalating demand for a fair inquiry." He noted that several neighboring villages are also planning similar protests in the coming days, indicating a broader regional concern.
Questions Over Black Box Damage and Government Inaction
Residents have raised further doubts by questioning reports of damage to the aircraft's black box, viewing such claims as adding to their suspicions of sabotage. One villager articulated the collective sentiment, saying, "Ajitdada was like family to us. There is a pervasive feeling that the truth is being concealed, which is generating widespread anger. Even weeks after the crash, no action has been taken against any agency or individual involved. This lack of accountability raises serious questions about the investigation's integrity. The government must implement corrective measures before public frustration escalates."
Political Calls for Investigation
The demand for a probe has garnered support from political figures as well. Rohit Pawar, MLA from NCP (SP) and Ajit Pawar's nephew, has been vocal in calling for a comprehensive investigation. He has addressed multiple press conferences in Mumbai and Delhi, urging authorities to examine all angles, including potential foreign involvement, and to scrutinize the sequence of events surrounding the incident.
Formal Requests and Additional Demands
Earlier, senior NCP leaders, including Jayant Patil and Sunil Tatkare, along with deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar, met with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. They submitted a formal letter requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the crash to ensure an impartial examination.
In a related development, Ajit Pawar's younger son, Jay Pawar, has also stepped forward with demands. Through a social media post on Wednesday, he called for a ban on the airline whose aircraft was involved in the crash. He urged a detailed investigation into alleged irregularities in the company's aircraft maintenance practices, highlighting concerns over safety and regulatory compliance.
The collective actions from Loni Bhapkar village and political allies underscore a persistent call for clarity and justice in the wake of Ajit Pawar's untimely demise, as the community seeks to uncover the truth behind the tragic plane crash.
