Mumbai, March 25 (NationPress) In a statement on Wednesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed concerns about the Zero FIR registered in Bengaluru related to the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. He described this FIR as a strategic maneuver aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Maharashtra.

Fadnavis dismissed the legitimacy of the Zero FIR, branding it a political tactic. He emphasized that such FIRs are typically applicable when victims cannot access their local police station, arguing that Karnataka does not have jurisdiction in this particular case.

Responding to an opposition motion led by NCP (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar, the Chief Minister reiterated that a Zero FIR holds legal validity only under specific circumstances, such as when a victim faces obstacles reaching a local police station or if the incident occurs in an ambiguous area.

He cautioned that establishing a precedent for filing FIRs in neighboring states could lead to Maharashtra leaders filing Zero FIRs against Karnataka officials within Mumbai police stations.

In addressing Rohit Pawar's concerns regarding the FIR, he elaborated on the legal process to initiate an investigation.

“At present, the incident is cataloged as an Accidental Death Report (ADR). Should investigations uncover signs of foul play or negligence, we will transition the ADR into a full FIR during the chargesheet phase,” he stated.

CM Fadnavis updated the public on the ongoing inquiries surrounding the plane crash, noting that CCTV footage from both Mumbai and Baramati confirms Ajit Pawar's boarding of the aircraft.

Forensic examinations (including DNA and viscera tests) have ruled out alcohol, poison, and illegal transport of additional fuel. The preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) indicates that visibility was only 3,000 meters, below the required 5,000 meters. He acknowledged the contentious past of pilot Sumit Kapoor, who had been suspended in 2010 and 2017 but was legally recertified after receiving training in the United States.

According to the Chief Minister, the post-mortem findings identified burn injuries as the cause of death. DNA samples from all five victims have been verified against their relatives. The viscera and blood tests confirmed the absence of alcohol or poison in any of the deceased. Investigators found no evidence of external fuel containers on board. The aircraft, a 2010 model, possessed a valid airworthiness certificate. The operator, VSR Company, has a fleet of 16 aircraft and 20 pilots.

In response to Rohit Pawar's passionate call for a murder investigation, CM Fadnavis took a firm stance.

“I assure this House that we will exert every effort (aakash paataal) to uncover the truth. If a conspiracy exists, even if it involves powerful individuals, we will bring them to light. My commitment to justice is as strong as yours,” he declared.

CM Fadnavis confirmed that the state government has made an official request to the Central government to engage the CBI. While the state CID is actively investigating the ADR, the final AAIB report will determine whether the case escalates to a full criminal FIR, should negligence or foul play be confirmed.