Opposition Raises Doubts Over Ajit Pawar Plane Crash

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday described the plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar as “suspicious” and demanded an impartial investigation into the incident. Mr. Raut said Pawar’s death reminded him of Justice B.H. Loya case and alleged that the Nationalist Congress Party led by Pawar had lost its independent political existence and was functioning under the control of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. Referring to the circumstances leading up to the crash, Mr. Raut claimed the incident occurred within 10 days of Pawar alleging that he possessed evidence of corruption involving Bharatiya Janata Party leaders. Pawar had made the remarks while campaigning for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, where his party contested in alliance with the NCP (SP) against the BJP. He had later clarified that his allegations were limited to corruption by local BJP leaders.

Mr. Raut further claimed that Pawar had intended to break his party’s alliance with the BJP and reunite with his uncle, NCP founder Sharad Pawar, after realising that the BJP was “anti-Maharashtra”.

“Ajit Pawar’s return to his home fold would have been a defeat for the BJP and a decision capable of altering the course of national politics. He repeatedly stated that he had files relating to BJP scams and would expose them. He said this on January 15, and within 10 days he died in a plane crash. This is mysterious. It reminds me of the Justice Loya case. I am not accusing anyone, but these doubts are being raised in the public mind,” Mr. Raut said.

He also alleged that Pawar’s party was no longer in a position to take independent political decisions. “Ajit Dada’s party has become completely subservient to Amit Shah,” he said.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar echoed the demand for an impartial probe, stating that allegations of foul play were being widely discussed. “Nearly 80 per cent of people are expressing suspicion. Social media is full of claims of foul play. There are reports that the pilot whose name initially surfaced is actually alive. Why was the pilot changed at the last minute? Such questions are being raised. There appears to be something amiss, and therefore an impartial investigation is necessary,” he said.

The Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID) is probing the Accidental Death Report registered in connection with the crash, which claimed the lives of Pawar and four others. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Civil Aviation Ministry, has also launched a formal investigation into the incident.