NCP Calls for CBI Investigation into Ajit Pawar Plane Crash

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by the Ajit Pawar faction, has officially requested a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the plane crash that resulted in the death of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28, 2024. In a significant move, Sunetra Pawar, the current Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to advocate for a thorough and independent inquiry into the incident, which occurred near Baramati in Pune district.

Following the meeting, Sunil Tatkare, the state NCP president, announced that senior party leaders, including National Working President Praful Patel and ministers Hasan Mushrif and Parth Pawar, had urged the Chief Minister to facilitate the CBI investigation. “We have requested the Chief Minister to have this entire incident investigated by the CBI. The Chief Minister has assured us that the state government will write to the Union Home Minister and take the necessary steps to pursue a CBI investigation,” Tatkare stated.

Investigation Complications and Initial Findings

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently conducting its own probe into the crash. Preliminary findings indicate that both voice recorders on the Learjet 45 aircraft, which had the registration number VT-SSK, were destroyed in the post-crash fire, complicating the investigation significantly. The AAIB has emphasized that the inquiry is being executed in strict accordance with established regulations and international aviation standards, ensuring impartiality and evidence-based conclusions.

In light of the ongoing investigation, the AAIB has urged the public and media to avoid speculation and wait for confirmed updates as the inquiry progresses. The tragic incident claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar and four others, who were en route from Mumbai to Baramati when the aircraft went down.

Legacy of Ajit Pawar

Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was a prominent political figure in Maharashtra, serving as Deputy Chief Minister across multiple administrations. He was the nephew of Sharad Pawar, the founder of the NCP, and cousin to Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule. Over his political career, he held the position of Deputy Chief Minister six times under various state governments, including those led by Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.

Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and their sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. His untimely death has left a significant impact on the political landscape of Maharashtra, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash and the need for a transparent investigation.