Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 22: Rohit Pawar has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of his uncle, senior leader Ajit Pawar, on January 28.
Speaking to ANI, Rohit Pawar alleged that VSR, the airline involved, was not functioning properly and raised concerns about passenger safety. “We have come to know that VSR was not functioning well… VIPs travel with this airline; their lives could be at risk.
What happened on 28 January was deeply unfortunate, as we lost our leader. The family and the people of Maharashtra demand a thorough investigation. VSR’s role must be carefully examined, and the criminal angle should also be investigated, including events on 27 January,” he said.
Earlier, Jay Pawar, son of Ajit Pawar, expressed grief and concern over the crash in a social media post. He questioned how the aircraft’s black box could be “destroyed so easily” and called for a transparent and impartial probe.
Jay Pawar also urged authorities to suspend VSR flights until the inquiry into possible irregularities in aircraft maintenance is completed. He stressed that strict action must be taken if negligence or wrongdoing is established, ending his post with an emotional tribute: “Miss you Dad.”
Senior NCP leader Supriya Sule backed Rohit Pawar’s statements, stating that Maharashtra remained in shock over the tragedy. She said the issues raised required detailed examination.
Rohit Pawar further questioned the aircraft’s fuel load, stating in Mumbai that the plane had departed with a full tank and suggesting that refuelling could have been carried out at its destination in Hyderabad. He hinted at the possibility that the aircraft may have been overloaded and implied that the pilot could have been “used” in the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar’s wife and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, seeking a CBI probe into the incident.
Senior NCP leaders, including National Working President Praful Patel and ministers Hasan Mushrif and Parth Pawar, also met the Chief Minister, demanding a comprehensive and independent investigation into the crash.