PIL seeks court-monitored probe into Ajit Pawar plane crash
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court seeking a court-monitored investigation into the January 28 Baramati Learjet crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and five others. The petition raises several concerns, including alleged last-minute changes in travel plans and irregularities in the aircraft's operations.
Key Highlights
- PIL filed in Bombay High Court for probe into Ajit Pawar's plane crash.
- Petition seeks court-monitored investigation into January 28 Baramati Learjet crash.
- Concerns raised about last-minute travel changes and operational irregularities.
- Activist Ketan Tirodkar filed the PIL after receiving no response to RTI applications.
- Rohit Pawar also actively seeking FIR against VSR Ventures and DGCA.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court, seeking a comprehensive court-monitored probe into the Learjet crash that occurred on January 28, resulting in the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and five others. The PIL, filed by social activist Ketan Tirodkar, aims to direct the State Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to investigate the "accidental death" and also calls for the constitution of a judicial commission headed by a retired Bombay High Court judge, along with aviation experts.
Tirodkar stated that he had previously written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on February 20, requesting a CID probe, and had also filed several Right to Information (RTI) applications with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Chief Minister's Office, and Baramati police. Receiving no satisfactory response, he was compelled to approach the High Court.
The petition highlights several contentious issues surrounding the crash. These include an alleged last-minute switch from road travel to a flight, the reported replacement of two pilots due to a traffic jam, and repeated landing requests at Baramati airport. Furthermore, the PIL raises doubts about whether the Learjet was duly registered in India or operating on a US-registered number. The petition also references public statements made by MLA Rohit Pawar, nephew of the late Ajit Pawar, who has alleged irregularities in the aircraft's operations and shared purported communications between airline staff, pilots, and politicians.
In parallel, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has been actively pursuing justice for his uncle. He, along with his cousin Yugendra Pawar, approached the Baramati Police seeking an FIR against VSR Ventures and the DGCA, alleging foul play and negligence. Rohit Pawar has publicly accused the DGCA of attempting to give VSR Ventures a "clean chit" initially, despite subsequent findings of compliance lapses and grounding of four VSR aircraft by the DGCA. He has also demanded the resignation of Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu pending the probe's completion and accused authorities of shielding VSR Ventures. Supriya Sule, MP and aunt to Rohit and Ajit Pawar, has also voiced her support for Rohit Pawar's demands and called for a thorough investigation and statement from the Central government regarding the crash, as well as another recent air ambulance crash in Jharkhand.
The DGCA, following a special safety audit initiated after the crash, has grounded four aircraft belonging to VSR Ventures due to multiple violations of approved procedures concerning airworthiness, air safety, and flight operations. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) continues its investigation into the crash, with its final report expected to determine the cause and assess any systemic lapses. The crash involved a 15-year-old Learjet 45XR (VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures, which took off from Mumbai and crashed near Baramati airport during a second landing attempt in low visibility and heavy fog. The investigation is ongoing, with concerns raised about missing data from the aircraft's records and potential interference. The PIL filed in the Bombay High Court aims to ensure a transparent and thorough judicial inquiry into the tragic incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the PIL filed in the Bombay High Court?
The main purpose of the PIL is to seek a court-monitored investigation into the Learjet crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and five others. It aims to ensure a thorough and transparent probe into the incident.
Who filed the PIL and what are some of the concerns raised?
The PIL was filed by social activist Ketan Tirodkar. Concerns raised include an alleged last-minute switch from road to air travel, potential irregularities in the aircraft's operations, issues with pilot changes, and doubts about the aircraft's registration.
What role has Rohit Pawar played in the investigation?
Rohit Pawar, nephew of the late Ajit Pawar, has been actively seeking an FIR against VSR Ventures and the DGCA, alleging negligence and foul play. He has also accused the DGCA of attempting to give the operator a clean chit.
What action has the DGCA taken following the crash?
Following a special audit, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded four aircraft operated by VSR Ventures due to non-compliance with safety procedures and airworthiness standards.