Grief over the Baramati plane tragedy that killed Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is being overshadowed by political maneuvering, warns NCP’s Anand Paranjape. He advocates fiercely for a no-holds-barred investigation to uncover the truth behind the crash that also claimed four other lives.
The incident unfolded abruptly when Pawar’s plane crashed in Pune’s Baramati, snuffing out the lives of the leader, pilot, crew, and two additional passengers. Political speculation has since intensified, prompting persistent pleas from Pawar’s family and NCP members for a CBI investigation.
Paranjape detailed the advocacy efforts in a candid conversation. ‘We’ve been calling for probes since the crash,’ he affirmed, citing the aviation minister’s on-site promise of an Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau inquiry. Fadnavis pledged CID action thereafter. In a recent meeting, Prufull Patel, Sunetra Pawar, and Sunil Tatkare renewed the CBI demand with the Chief Minister.
Targeting VSR Aviation’s full history, Paranjape said, ‘Every record before and after the crash must be examined.’ He supported nephew Rohit Pawar’s right to probe but rebuked the ‘reprehensible’ politicization.
This saga highlights systemic issues in regional aviation and the perils of blending politics with public safety. A fair probe isn’t just demanded—it’s essential for closure and reform.