Sunetra Pawar Formally Requests CBI Investigation into Fatal Baramati Air Crash
MUMBAI: In a significant development, Sunetra Pawar, accompanied by her elder son Parth Pawar and other supporters, personally delivered a formal letter to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, urging the initiation of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the tragic Baramati air crash. The incident, which occurred on January 28, resulted in the deaths of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other individuals.
NCP Raises Critical Questions Over Aviation Safety Protocols
In the detailed letter, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) articulated that "multiple aspects surrounding the incident give rise to legitimate apprehensions, requiring investigation by an independent central agency." The party outlined several "substantial questions" that demand rigorous scrutiny, including:
- Reported last-minute changes in the flight crew composition, necessitating an examination of operational decision-making and authorization processes.
- Apparent anomalies concerning Air Traffic Control communications and the sequencing of runway clearances.
- Concerns regarding the functioning and integrity of critical onboard safety warning systems.
- The absence of any recorded distress communication despite the aircraft being in the proximity of the landing phase.
- Matters requiring forensic evaluation, such as crew fitness, maintenance compliance, and aircraft systems performance.
Complex Investigation Warrants Central Agency Expertise
The NCP emphasized that the probe into this catastrophic event involves complex aviation, forensic, electronic, and operational aspects. Given the intricate nature of the case, the party asserted that the CBI's extensive investigative powers, advanced technical expertise, and interstate jurisdiction render it the most suitable agency to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry.
Furthermore, the letter highlighted that a CBI-led investigation would be instrumental in reinforcing public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the process. It would ensure that every facet of the case is examined comprehensively, leaving no stone unturned. The NCP stressed that the nature of this incident transcends an ordinary accident, as it directly engages public trust in aviation safety, regulatory oversight, and institutional accountability.
Unified Party Support and Political Implications
NCP spokesperson Tatkare confirmed that the entire NCP legislature party stands fully behind Sunetra Pawar, with no internal dissent regarding this demand. In related political developments, Tatkare disclosed that BJP state chief Ravindra Chavan recently met him at the NCP office to discuss the strategic way forward for the Mahayuti alliance following its victory in the zilla parishad polls.
Tatkare also addressed concerns about governance, noting that incidents such as alleged bribery in NCP minister Narhari Zirwal's office have the potential to malign the image of the government and its ministers, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability.
Technical Challenges in Crash Investigation Revealed
In a parallel update, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) disclosed critical technical hurdles in the investigation. The two independent black boxes from the Learjet aircraft—specifically, the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)—sustained significant fire damage due to exposure to intense heat for a prolonged period during the accident.
The AAIB reported that the DFDR, manufactured by L3-Communications, was successfully downloaded at the AAIB Flight Recorder Laboratory. However, specialized support has been sought from the manufacturer to retrieve data from the CVR, which is produced by Honeywell. The CVR is crucial as it records conversations between pilots, radio communications with air traffic controllers, and ambient noises in the cockpit, while the DFDR captures technical parameters like aircraft speed, altitude, and heading.
Assistance has been requested from the accredited representative of the state of manufacture to provide specialized support for data retrieval from the damaged CVR, highlighting the technical complexities involved in uncovering the truth behind this devastating crash.
