Pune: Former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar's elder son Parth, a Rajya Sabha MP, on Tuesday travelled from Mumbai to Pune in an aircraft operated by VSR Ventures, the same aviation firm responsible for the fatal crash that claimed his father's life on Jan 28 this year.
Parth boarded the aircraft, along with four others, to attend a family gathering organised by his granduncle and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar.
Earlier in the day, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar visited the CID office in Pune to inquire into the progress in the crash investigation. Speaking to newspersons, he criticised the police for failing to take action against VSR's owners three months after the tragedy.
The issue gained traction after social activist Anjali Damania posted details of Parth's travel on social media. In response, Parth issued a clarification on ‘X' (formerly Twitter), labelling the incident an "administrative mistake".
"I had instructed my office to arrange air travel from Mumbai to Pune for my visit to Sharad Pawar Saheb's residence. Because the flight was booked at the eleventh hour, my staff mistakenly booked an aircraft belonging to VSR. I was unaware the plane belonged to them until I reached the aircraft," Parth wrote. Taking "serious cognisance" of the error, Parth stated that he has terminated the contract with the booking agent involved and instructed his staff to ensure such oversights do not happen again.
The incident highlighted a rift in optics within the family. While Rohit Pawar has been vocal in seeking justice and Jay Pawar (Parth's younger brother) has supported Rohit's stance, Parth found himself on the defensive. Addressing the criticism from Damania and others, Parth insisted his position regarding the aviation firm remains unchanged.
"I am against VSR, and that stand will continue. It is unfortunate that some are attempting to create controversy without understanding the facts," he added.
