Rohit Pawar Demands Foreign Investigation into Ajit Pawar Aircraft Crash, Alleges Foul Play
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has publicly raised serious allegations of conspiracy in the January 28 aircraft crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra's then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. In a bold move, he has questioned the competence of the state government's Crime Investigation Department (CID) to handle the probe and called for an independent, third-party international agency to investigate the incident.
Call for International Expertise in Crash Probe
Rohit Pawar demanded that agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States, France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA), or the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) be brought in to conduct a thorough investigation. "After studying the details of the flight company, the pilot's history, and transcripts from the final minutes, I and many workers conclude there could be a conspiracy here that killed our leader Ajit Pawar," he stated. "A detailed probe is needed, and I do not believe the CID has the expertise required for such a complex case."
First Family Member to Publicly Allege Conspiracy
This marks the first instance since the crash that a member of the Pawar family has openly suggested foul play in Ajit Pawar's death. Rohit Pawar made his allegations during an hour-long presentation featuring 54 slides, detailing Ajit Pawar's movements from January 27 onward. The presentation included screenshots of alleged internal WhatsApp chats from VSR, the company that owned the crashed aircraft, referencing the pilot's drinking issues.
Discrepancies and Suspicious Circumstances Highlighted
Rohit Pawar outlined several factors that he claims point to a conspiracy:
- Itinerary Changes: Ajit Pawar was originally scheduled to travel by car from Pune to Mumbai after a cabinet meeting, but a meeting with a senior leader ran late, forcing a last-minute switch to a flight.
- Flight Anomalies: He cited alterations in the flight schedule, the pilot landing despite low visibility, insistence on using Runway 11, premature lowering of altitude, and silence from the pilot in the final minutes.
- Data Discrepancies: Differences between the Union Civil Aviation Ministry report and air traffic control transcripts, along with flight radar data cutting off a minute before the crash.
"These interconnected factors demand a detailed investigation," Rohit Pawar emphasized.
Pilot History and Family Discussions
He presented evidence suggesting the pilot had a history of drinking problems, including being grounded for three years and leaving training in the USA after being found drunk. "I don't want to cast aspersions, but I have lost my leader and uncle. I have every right to question the circumstances and demand a probe," he asserted.
Rohit Pawar also mentioned that he discussed the issue with Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, sons of the late Ajit Pawar, and noted that other party leaders had expressed doubts. While he had not shared his presentation with Sharad Pawar, he believed the senior leader "would be having similar feelings." This comes after Sharad Pawar initially ruled out conspiracy hours after the crash, a statement Rohit Pawar attributed to limited information and concerns over law and order.
Demands for Action and Ban on VSR Aircraft
In addition to the foreign probe, Rohit Pawar called for a complete ban on aircraft operated by the VSR group and questioned the state government's appointment of Arrow Aircraft Sales and Charters Pvt Ltd for VVIP travel. His allegations have sparked renewed scrutiny into the crash, highlighting the need for transparency and expert investigation in this high-profile case.
