Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has thrown his weight behind West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's demand for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The senior leader emphasized that when such incidents involve VIPs, complete transparency about the circumstances is essential for public confidence.
Political Leaders Unite for Transparent Investigation
Akhilesh Yadav cited "similar such deaths of VIPs" in the past as justification for Banerjee's call for judicial oversight. "If such an incident can happen to a VIP, then it should be clear how it took place," stated the Samajwadi Party chief, highlighting concerns about the investigation process for high-profile cases.
The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday morning when a private jet carrying Ajit Pawar and four others went down near Baramati, claiming all lives onboard. The aircraft, identified as a Learjet 45 with registration VT-SSK operated by VSR Aviation, had departed from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 8:10 AM before disappearing from radar at 8:45 AM during its approach to Baramati airport.
Condolences and Concerns from Across Political Spectrum
Earlier in the day, Akhilesh Yadav described the incident as "extremely tragic" and offered prayers for the departed souls. "May God grant his soul peace. Deep condolences to his bereaved family," he expressed, joining a chorus of political leaders mourning the loss.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also conveyed his sympathies, praying for eternal peace for the victims and strength for their grieving families. Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati termed Pawar's death "extremely heartbreaking," acknowledging his stature as a stalwart leader of Maharashtra politics from the Nationalist Congress Party.
Mamata Banerjee's Strong Stance on Investigation Independence
While traveling to Singur for a public rally, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made the initial demand for Supreme Court supervision of the investigation. "What happened today raises serious questions," she told media persons, expressing skepticism about other investigative agencies.
"We have trust only in the Supreme Court, and no other agency, as all investigative agencies have lost their independence. All other agencies are purchased," Banerjee asserted, highlighting her concerns about institutional credibility. She described Pawar's death as "a great loss for the country" and noted his potential role in party unification efforts.
Flight Details and Investigation Context
According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, the ill-fated aircraft was making a loop to align with the runway at Baramati airport when it disappeared from tracking systems. The Indian Express reported these technical details as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about aviation safety protocols and investigation transparency, particularly when involving prominent political figures. With multiple leaders echoing concerns about proper investigative procedures, the demand for Supreme Court oversight reflects growing apprehension about institutional independence in sensitive cases.
As condolences continue to pour in from across the political spectrum, the focus has shifted to ensuring a thorough and credible investigation that addresses all unanswered questions about this tragic aviation disaster.
