Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: ‘Accident or conspiracy?’ Demand for CBI investigation intensified, politics heated up due to serious questions of Rohit Pawar

The stir in Maharashtra politics has intensified regarding the Ajit Pawar plane crash. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and demanded that the matter be investigated by a central agency. The party submitted a memorandum demanding a formal CBI inquiry in this regard.

‘Accident or conspiracy?’ — Rohit Pawar’s questions

Meanwhile, NCP (Sharad Chandra Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar asked ‘accident or conspiracy?’ By holding a press conference with the title, serious questions were raised on the investigation process. He gave a detailed presentation on the damage to the black box, explosion in the fuel tank and technical aspects related to aircraft operations. Rohit Pawar said that the black box can remain safe for an hour even in 1100 degree Celsius temperature and it is protected in two layers. In such a situation, the news of its damage raises many doubts. Citing examples from India and abroad, he said that black boxes have been found safe even in major accidents.

Question on fuel tank and explosion

Rohit Pawar asked how such a huge explosion occurred after the plane fell on the ground? Why was the fuel tank completely full and why were extra fuel cans kept in the plane? He also raised questions as to how permission for landing was given despite low visibility.

Issues raised on pilots and flight rules

He alleged that a pilot flying a Lear jet was not allowed to fly other types of aircraft, yet the pilot concerned was flying both the aircraft. Questions were also raised about the mandatory pre-flight alcohol test and its video recording process – was this process completed?

Dispute over flight limits and registration

Rohit Pawar claimed that the plane took off despite approaching the flight limit of 4,915 hours. According to his information, the aircraft had flown for 8,000 hours and there was a possibility of tampering in the meter readings. He asked that if the aircraft was in VIP use, why was its technical condition not thoroughly checked? He also raised questions on the role of VSR company and said that if Lear Jet could not be registered in India, then how was it registered? Also, questions were raised about the recording of only 30 minutes in CVR (cockpit voice recorder), whereas in India there is a provision for recording of two hours.

Government’s assurance

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the delegation that the state government will write a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this matter and take necessary steps. The delegation also included NCP national working president Praful Patel, senior leaders Sunil Tatkare and Parth Pawar. Rohit Pawar also raised questions on the Civil Aviation Minister and said that if the company is being given a clean chit, then are efforts being made to save the aircraft owner? He expressed apprehension that aspects like delay in investigation report and possible pressure on the pilot should also be investigated impartially. Now this matter has become a subject of serious debate at both political and technical levels.