Union Minister Confirms Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Probe Timeline
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol has provided crucial updates regarding the investigation into the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Speaking to reporters in Pune on Sunday, Mohol set a definitive deadline for the completion of the primary investigation.
Preliminary Report Expected by End of February
Mohol stated unequivocally that the preliminary report into the fatal aviation incident will be finalized and released by February 28. "The preliminary report will be released within one month from the day of the mishap," the minister declared during his interaction with mediapersons after a citizens' engagement program in Gokhalenagar. He further clarified that "it will be available on or before Feb 28; after that, the final report will be published."
Minister Dismisses Resignation Demands
The announcement comes amid political pressure from opposition leaders who have demanded accountability for the crash. NCP (SP) leader and MLA Rohit Pawar had previously called for Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu to resign and had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his removal.
When questioned about these demands, Mohol dismissed them as unnecessary. "There is no point in entertaining such allegations," he asserted. The minister redirected the query, suggesting "this question should be asked to Naidu. He will give a clarification about it."
Investigation Progress and Departmental Response
Mohol emphasized that investigative agencies are diligently working to determine the causes behind the crash. "They provide updates about their work through statements regularly. Raising doubts about it is unnecessary," he stated, adding that the civil aviation department has already issued detailed clarifications addressing various allegations surrounding the incident.
Criticism of Youth Congress Protest
During the same media interaction, the minister also commented on recent political demonstrations, specifically targeting Youth Congress workers who protested during the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Mohol described their actions as "very unbecoming" and suggested the protest had international repercussions.
"An international-level programme was being conducted in Delhi, and this protest embarrassed the country on a global platform," he remarked. According to Mohol, the protest has drawn criticism from across society, including from parties that typically support Congress. He claimed that "the common people who were present at the event have taught the Congress workers a lesson."
Citizen Engagement in Pune
Earlier on Sunday, Mohol participated in a Janata Darbar (public court) in Gokhalenagar, where he interacted with Pune residents about various civic issues. Citizens raised concerns regarding documentation problems, including issues with Aadhaar cards and Ayushman Bharat health cards, highlighting ongoing administrative challenges faced by the local population.
