HomePoliticsNo Distress Call, Last-Minute Crew Changes — NCP Wants CBI to Investigate...

No Distress Call, Last-Minute Crew Changes — NCP Wants CBI to Investigate Ajit Pawar Crash

Mumbai: Even as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and Maharashtra Police’s CID continue probing the tragic Baramati plane crash that claimed the life of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has demanded a CBI-led investigation.

A delegation including Deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar, NCP working president Praful Patel, state president Sunil Tatkare, minister Hasan Mushrif, and Ajit Pawar’s son Parth Pawar met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday. They submitted a memorandum seeking a CBI probe into the incident.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tatkare said that the CM assured them the state government would take up the demand with the Union Home Ministry. He highlighted the need for a central investigation to ensure transparency and a comprehensive inquiry.

The AAIB on Tuesday released preliminary findings, noting that assistance was being sought to retrieve crucial data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) of the Learjet 45 aircraft involved in the January 28 crash. Meanwhile, the CID has recorded statements from Mantralaya staff who were involved in finalising Ajit Pawar’s travel itinerary.

Also Read: “Why Is VSR Still Flying?” Rohit Pawar Demands Ban, Says “Cases Should Have Been Filed by Now” After Ajit Pawar Crash

NCP’s Key Concerns

In its memorandum, the NCP raised concerns over last-minute changes in the flight crew, potential inconsistencies in air traffic control communications, and runway clearance procedures. The party also questioned the integrity of critical onboard safety warning systems, highlighting the lack of any recorded distress call even when the aircraft was close to landing.On 28 January 2026, Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, died in a plane crash near Baramati Airport in Pune district while the aircraft was trying to land after a flight from Mumbai.

The NCP further stressed the importance of a forensic review covering crew fitness, aircraft maintenance, regulatory compliance, and onboard systems, arguing that a central agency probe would leave no stone unturned. Tatkare expressed hope that a CBI investigation would provide clarity to the families of the victims and ensure accountability.

5 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Must Read

spot_img