Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday pressed for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, saying expressions of sympathy cannot replace accountability, reported news agency ANI.
‘Series of chartered aircraft accidents must be examined’
Addressing the media, Raut raised serious concerns over a series of chartered aircraft accidents reported across the country and questioned whether technical lapses, radar failures or shortcomings at airports were being adequately examined. He said the public deserved clear answers to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
‘Condolences won’t help if technical flaws caused crash’
“A major accident took place earlier in Ahmedabad. An inquiry was announced, but what came out of it? Several chartered flight crashes have occurred and many lives have been lost. The truth must be placed before the people,” Sanjay Raut said. “Ajit Pawar was a towering and popular leader, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. His death has shaken not just the state, but the entire country. How did this happen? Was there a technical fault? Was there a problem with the radar or the airport? This must be known,” reported ANI.
Raut further remarked that if technical shortcomings were responsible, merely offering condolences would serve no purpose. “If the crash occurred due to technical issues, then identifying the root cause is essential. Only that can help prevent such incidents,” he added, reported ANI.
Ajit Pawar died while travelling to ZP election rally
Ajit Pawar was killed on Wednesday when the aircraft he was travelling in crashed at Baramati airport while he was on his way to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad elections. His last rites were performed later on Thursday at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati.
Black box recovered; ADR registered by police
Investigating agencies have since recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the crash site. Pune Rural Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka police station and initiated further investigation.
Several senior leaders attended Pawar’s funeral, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Pawar’s sons, Parth and Jay, performed the last rites, while his wife Sunetra Pawar paid her final respects. Drone visuals from the venue showed a massive gathering of supporters at the Vidya Pratishthan ground as Maharashtra bid farewell to the veteran leader.
(With inputs from ANI)
