Maharashtra CID Incorporates Karnataka FIR into Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Investigation
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar stated on Saturday that the First Information Report (FIR) registered by Karnataka police concerning his uncle Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash has been transferred to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID). However, he claimed the CID has yet to take concrete action on the matter. In response, CID officers informed The Times of India that the FIR has been integrated into the ongoing investigation of the accidental death report.
CID's Official Statement on the Investigation
Additional Director-General of Police (CID) Sunil Ramanand clarified the department's position. "We have received the FIR that was registered with the Bengaluru police from the Maharashtra government. We have included it in our ongoing probe of the accidental death report under Section 180 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The FIR will be treated as a statement and investigated in detail," Ramanand stated.
Section 180 of the BNSS grants police officers the authority to conduct oral examinations of individuals familiar with case facts during an investigation. Ramanand added, "Further probe of the ADR is ongoing, and more details from central agencies are awaited."
Rohit Pawar's Allegations and Previous Actions
Rohit Pawar had previously approached the Karnataka government, asserting that Maharashtra police were unwilling to register an FIR for criminal conspiracy in the January 28 plane crash in Baramati. The crash resulted in the deaths of Ajit Pawar and four others. With Karnataka's assistance, a zero FIR was filed with Bengaluru police last month.
Addressing reporters in Baramati on Saturday, Rohit Pawar expressed frustration. "The Karnataka police transferred the FIR to their Maharashtra counterparts for further investigation, but the latter are still not taking action. I met the Director-General of Police regarding the FIR. He admitted the transfer had occurred. Now, the police are playing with words. Instead of starting an investigation, they say they will conduct an inquiry," he alleged.
Background and Ongoing Developments
The incident has sparked significant political and legal attention. The Maharashtra CID's approach of incorporating the FIR into the existing accidental death report probe under BNSS provisions highlights the procedural complexities involved. As the investigation continues, stakeholders await further inputs from central agencies, which could influence the direction and scope of the case.
