What Lies Behind the 'Flying Coffin'? Shiv Sena (UBT) Questions Ajit Pawar’s Plane Crash
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Key Takeaways
Mumbai, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Thursday expressed that Maharashtra is engulfed in doubt regarding the circumstances surrounding the plane crash that resulted in the death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. This skepticism persists even after the conclusion of a 13-day mourning period, with traditional rites led by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, who has since taken over the Deputy Chief Ministerial position.
On Wednesday, the political climate escalated when Rohit Pawar, nephew of the late Ajit Pawar, presented a comprehensive argument indicating that the crash near Baramati Airport was not simply an accident but rather a 'well-orchestrated conspiracy'. He stirred up controversy by showcasing what he claims is evidence of a 'mystery' surrounding the crash.
The Thackeray faction, in the party's publication 'Saamana', articulated that public skepticism remains high—drawing comparisons to the suspicious death of Gopinath Munde. There is a pressing call for an in-depth investigation by an independent agency to reveal the truth behind the 'flying coffin'. According to Rohit Pawar's assertions, multiple elements suggest 'sabotage'.
“Rohit Pawar contested the narrative that inclement weather or poor visibility led to the crash. He raised concerns about the sudden technical malfunction and questioned why the transponder was deactivated just one minute prior to the incident. The aircraft involved was reportedly owned by a company banned from operating in Europe. Rohit Pawar queried who permitted such 'flying coffins' to operate in India,” stated the editorial.
The Saamana editorial also highlighted a dubious alteration in Ajit Pawar's travel itinerary the night before the crash. “Initially planning to drive to Baramati, his journey was allegedly postponed for several hours due to a 'prominent leader from East Vidarbha' who insisted on obtaining a signature for an urgent document. This delay resulted in the cancellation of his road trip, compelling him to fly the next day,” it noted.
Additionally, the editorial cited Rohit Pawar’s remarks questioning whether the visit was to secure a signature or to confiscate files related to BJP-linked corruption that Ajit Pawar allegedly possessed. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena stated that the Pawar family has expressed profound grief and anger, with some insinuating that the 'elimination' was executed with 'Israeli Mossad-style' precision.
“While Sunetra Pawar and other associates have resumed official duties, the public's apprehension lingers. There is a rising demand for an impartial investigation,” it remarked.
The editorial also noted that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cautioned against 'politicizing' the accident, yet critics are questioning why no charges of culpable homicide have been levied against the aircraft company owners. Many are still unwilling to accept the official explanation for Ajit Pawar's 'accidental' death.