In a massive allegation, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has hinted at foul play in the death of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, demanding
an investigation into the plane crash incident. Expressing "suspicion" over Pawar's death, Raut said the BJP had threatened the NCP chief with irrigation scam files after he expressed a desire for the merger, adding that the former Maharashtra Deputy CM "died mysteriously within 10 days". "Questions will indeed be raised on the accident of Ajit dada, questions should indeed be raised. The manner in which a leader like Ajit Pawar, a tall leader of Maharashtra, died in a plane crash and the facts which are coming to light - it should be investigated, I think there is something dubious here. These questions are being raised by Ajit dada's party," Sanjay Raut told ANI. "His death is suspicious. Something did happen behind the curtains. Ajit dada had said that he wants to 'return home', after that the people of BJP threatened him with Sinchan Scam files. Ajit Pawar then responded to them over the same Sinchan Scam files. He died mysteriously within 10 days of that. What do we understand from this? This reminds us of Justice Loya. Did someone do something here?" he asked.
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Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash
Ajit Pawar, 66, died on the morning of January 28 after the aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at the Baramati airport in Pune district. Among the deceased were his personal security officer, a flight attendant and two pilots. The crash took place at around 8.48 am. Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to campaign for the Zilla Parishad elections.
His last rites were held with full state honours on Thursday at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati. His sons lit the funeral pyre and performed the final rituals.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal investigation into the accident that claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar and four others.
His death has raised speculation about a possible merger between the two NCP factions.
(With agency inputs)
