Gondia (Maharashtra), Feb 18 (NationPress) The NCP working president and former civil aviation minister, Praful Patel, on Wednesday staunchly supported the party's call for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the tragic death of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and national president Ajit Pawar, who lost his life in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28.

"The CBI is a trustworthy organization. If they conduct the investigation, it should encompass all relevant facts and aspects. The CBI is capable of handling this task," he articulated during a press conference.

"The NCP submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis yesterday, urging for a CBI inquiry into Ajit Pawar's plane crash. This incident is deeply unfortunate. Various agencies are currently investigating, and the state government is also looking into the matter. However, doubts have been raised by many. Hence, an exhaustive investigation is vital. We need to understand how such a significant accident could occur abruptly, warranting a CBI probe, considering the incident transpired in Maharashtra, allowing the state government to request CBI involvement. Therefore, we, representing the NCP, presented our memorandum yesterday demanding a CBI inquiry into this case," Patel elaborated.

He emphasized the necessity of ascertaining whether each aspect of the investigation is being pursued appropriately. "Currently, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board is examining technical issues. I have heard that the black box is being sent to America for further analysis, as the investigations here were not exhaustive," he mentioned.

Patel acknowledged that the state government has engaged the CID for the investigation, yet the party seeks comprehensive information across all angles. "I am a very responsible individual with extensive political experience. Thus, I will speak with caution and refrain from making statements without substantial evidence," he asserted.

In response to inquiries regarding comments made by NCP-SP legislator Rohit Pawar at a press conference related to the plane crash, Patel noted the gravity of the situation.

Patel's remarks came shortly after Rohit Pawar called for the dismissal or resignation of Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu and senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), amidst the escalating controversy surrounding Ajit Pawar’s plane crash.

During the press conference, Rohit Pawar accused a "nexus" between the ministry, the DGCA, and VSR Ventures (the aircraft owner), alleging that the current leadership is biased and shielding the company. He insisted that the case should be classified as culpable homicide rather than an "accidental death" and called for a formal FIR (First Information Report) against VSR Ventures' owners and the technical personnel responsible for certifying the flight's airworthiness.

Moreover, Rohit Pawar reiterated the demand for a CBI investigation, arguing that given the involvement of a high-profile constitutional authority (the Deputy CM) and the crossing of state and departmental jurisdictions, the state CID lacks the necessary "technical expertise" and "political neutrality" to handle investigations within the Union-controlled aviation sector.