NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar has called for an in-depth investigation into the January 28 plane crash that claimed the life of senior Maharashtra politician Ajit Pawar, raising concerns about the functioning of VSR and possible lapses surrounding the incident.
In a conversation with ANI, Pawar alleged that the airline was not operating efficiently and could pose risks to high-profile passengers. Describing the crash as a tragic loss for both his family and the state, he demanded a comprehensive probe into all aspects of the incident, including developments a day prior to the crash.
“We have received information that VSR was not functioning properly. When VIPs travel with such services, their safety cannot be compromised. The events of January 28 were deeply unfortunate. There must be a thorough investigation into VSR’s role, and a criminal angle should also be explored, including what transpired on January 27,” he said.
Ajit Pawar and four others lost their lives when the aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district.
Sources, however, told ANI that aviation accidents are investigated under strict international protocols laid down by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and ICAO norms. They described such probes as technical, transparent and driven entirely by evidence, urging that the process be left to authorised agencies.
The sources also criticised attempts to politicise the tragedy, stating that conclusions should be based on verified findings rather than speculation. They maintained that accountability would be ensured once the investigation is complete.
Opposition raises questions
Following the crash, leaders from the NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress have raised questions over the circumstances of the accident, with some suggesting the possibility of foul play.
Earlier, Rohit Pawar had sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to oversee the investigation.
Addressing a press conference, he said the incident could involve either a political or commercial conspiracy and stressed the need to determine the exact cause. He also alleged that if any entity was shielding VSR, it could point to a larger nexus involving influential individuals, including officials linked to the DGCA.
Pawar further said he would write to the Prime Minister seeking support for a transparent probe and demanded the resignation of Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
He also raised questions about the aircraft’s black box data, claiming there may have been multiple explosions. Additionally, he pointed to the presence of extra fuel containers stored separately, suggesting they could have contributed to the fire, and called for these aspects to be thoroughly investigated.
(With inputs from ANI)
