Rohit Pawar Records Statement with CID in Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Investigation
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, nephew of the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, recorded his official statement with State CID officials on Thursday afternoon at the agency's Pune headquarters. This development is part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic January 28 plane crash in Baramati that claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar and four other individuals.
CID Investigation Focuses on Three Key Aspects
Sunil Ramanand, Additional Director General of Police for the State CID, addressed reporters during a press conference on Thursday, outlining the investigation's primary focus areas. The probe is examining whether the crash resulted from sabotage, negligence, or criminal activity. Ramanand clarified that while the CID is not investigating the technical cause of the air crash itself, it is specifically investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the five individuals on board.
"Our investigation is progressing in the right direction and is primarily focused on three key aspects: whether the crash was an act of sabotage, the result of negligence, or if it involved any form of criminal activity," Ramanand stated. He emphasized that the CID is prepared to register a formal case under appropriate legal sections and proceed with further investigation, including filing a chargesheet in court, if evidence points to any of these elements.
Rohit Pawar's Frustration with FIR Registration
Following his statement recording, Rohit Pawar expressed frustration to reporters about his unsuccessful attempts to have an FIR registered regarding the plane crash. He revealed that he had approached police authorities in Mumbai on Wednesday and later in Baramati on Thursday, but received no positive response. Even the CID declined to help register the FIR, prompting him to provide his statement and share all available details about the crash.
"I will continue to fight to get justice for my uncle," Rohit Pawar asserted. He acknowledged that the CID officers involved in the probe are competent but suggested they might be under "some pressure" due to VSR Ventures' connections to influential figures. Despite this, he vowed to persist in his pursuit of justice as a family member of Ajit Pawar.
Earlier Confrontation at Baramati Police Station
Earlier on Thursday, Rohit Pawar, accompanied by his cousin Yugendra Pawar and a large group of charged supporters from both NCP factions, visited the Baramati police station. The gathering raised slogans and demanded the Chief Minister's resignation. During this visit, Rohit and Yugendra engaged in a heated argument with police officers over their demand to register an FIR.
"It is shocking that a politician of the stature of Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash and his family is struggling to register an FIR," Rohit Pawar remarked. He announced plans to meet the Chief Minister soon to raise this demand directly.
Multi-Agency Collaboration in the Investigation
Additional Director General Ramanand highlighted the collaborative nature of the investigation, noting that Baramati Medical College, forensic laboratories, and several central investigative agencies are assisting the CID. Parallel inquiries by other agencies are underway, and their findings will be incorporated into the CID's probe. The State CID officially took over the Ajit Pawar air crash investigation on January 30, following the tragic incident.
"Our probe is focused on the potential criminal aspect behind the accident. Further steps will be taken once a conclusion is reached," Ramanand concluded, emphasizing the methodical approach being taken to ensure a thorough investigation into this high-profile case that has significant political implications in Maharashtra.
