Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar on Tuesday said that the Zero FIR registered in connection with the plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar has been forwarded to the state Crime Investigation Department. He made the statement after meeting Maharashtra Director General of Police Sadanand Date in Mumbai.
Rohit Pawar said he sought clarity on whether the FIR he had filed earlier had been formally accepted and acted upon by the Maharashtra Police.
Zero FIR transferred to CID for further action
According to Pawar, the DGP informed him that the Zero FIR has now been sent to the Crime Investigation Department, which will determine the next course of action after conducting a preliminary inquiry. However, he indicated that the FIR may not yet have been formally registered within the state system.
The development comes amid earlier confusion regarding jurisdiction, as the FIR was initially filed in another state due to concerns over delays in Maharashtra.
Demand for comprehensive and unbiased probe
Rohit Pawar emphasised the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the January 28 air crash in Baramati. He stated that the probe must go beyond routine procedures and examine all possible angles, including financial transactions and other issues raised in connection with the case.
He reiterated that the objective is to ensure transparency and accountability, adding that a detailed inquiry is essential to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
Financial links and allegations under scrutiny
The NCP leader also referred to allegations about unusual financial transactions involving certain individuals during the period of the crash. He specifically mentioned concerns linked to Anjali Damania, who had raised questions about possible irregularities.
Additionally, Pawar said investigators should examine the reported increase in financial activity related to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who was recently arrested in a separate criminal case. He stressed that all such aspects must be carefully investigated to rule out any wrongdoing.
Background of Zero FIR and jurisdiction issue
Earlier, Rohit Pawar had alleged that authorities in Maharashtra were reluctant to register a case related to alleged negligence in the crash. As a result, he registered a Zero FIR in a neighbouring state, a legal provision that allows a complaint to be filed regardless of jurisdiction and later transferred to the appropriate authority.
He said this step was taken to ensure that the matter received due attention and was not delayed due to procedural issues. With the FIR now forwarded to the CID, attention will shift to how the investigation progresses in the coming days.
The case continues to draw attention, with calls for a detailed probe reflecting broader concerns over accountability and transparency in high-profile incidents.
(With inputs from PTI)
