The Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID) has said that its probe into the Ajit Pawar plane crash in Baramati will examine whether the tragedy was caused by sabotage or criminal negligence, reported the PTI.
The plane crash had claimed the life of Former Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others.
Addressing a press conference, Sunil Ramanand, Additional Director General (CID), said the investigation is being carried out in a thorough and professional manner.
“The purpose of the CID probe is to determine whether there was any foul play in the crash. It will also examine whether there was any criminal negligence. Thirdly, the investigation will ascertain whether any criminal act, including illegal omission, led to the incident,” Ramanand said, as per the PTI.
He added that once the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) completes its report, the findings will be incorporated into the CID’s inquiry.
Evidence collected
“We have collected several pieces of evidence,” the official said.
Ramanand further stated that if the probe establishes any criminal angle – including negligence or sabotage – the CID will register a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Given the seriousness of the incident, the state government has also written to the Centre seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), he said.
The plane crash
The Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-SSK), operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, crashed near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district on January 28. Following the incident, an accidental death report was initially registered at Baramati Taluka police station before the case was transferred to the CID for detailed investigation.
Maharashtra council chief seeks statement on plane crash
Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde on Thursday directed the state government to place before the House a detailed statement on the air crash that claimed the life of Ajit Pawar, as per the PTI.
The direction came after NCP (SP) MLC Shashikant Shinde moved an adjournment motion seeking a discussion on the January 28 crash in Baramati, Pune district.
Raising the issue in the House, Shashikant Shinde said several individuals, including legislators Amol Mitkari and Rohit Pawar, had expressed suspicion regarding the circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar’s death. He added that many had demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the news agency reported.
(with PTI inputs)