Former Union Minister Subramanian Swamy on Thursday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to form a committee of aviation experts to investigate the plane crash in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader wrote, “In view of a senior political and educated experienced leader Mamata Banerjee raising a pertinent question, it would be appropriate for the PM to announce a Committee of Union Government airline experts to evaluate the technicality of the plane in recent crash of the aircraft in Baramati that caused the death of the well known political leader, Ajit Pawar.”
Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the death of Ajit Pawar, alleging that “all other agencies” have been “completely compromised.” “I was truly shocked to see the news (of Ajit Pawar’s death) this morning. It shows that there is no safety or security in this country, even for political leaders,” the CM said. “Even those who are a part of the ruling establishment today do not seem to be safe,” she added.
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar also demanded an investigation into the plane crash. “Deeply shocked by the suddden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Ajit Pawar! Whether you liked it or not, Ajit had his own style of political work. My sincere condolences to his wife, family, friends and followers. The plane crash incident, which took his life and that of another 5 individuals, needs a proper investigation,” he tweeted.
Pawar (66) was killed on Wednesday morning after the chartered Learjet crashed near the Baramati airstrip. Two pilots, a flight attendant and a personal security officer were also killed in the accident.
Meanwhile, the police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) case in connection with the plane crash.
As per procedure, the ADR will be handed over to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will conduct a probe based on findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)’s inquiry.
The AAIB, which functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has already taken over the probe into the crash.
