‘Truth Being Suppressed’: Rohit Pawar Alleges Powerful Hands Blocking FIR in Crash Probe

Mumbai: Former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's nephew and NCP MLA Rohit Pawar has made a serious allegation in the plane crash case on January 28. Rohit Pawar has accused the police and administration of being an "influential hand" for not registering the FIR. He said that the administration is trying to postpone the matter and stop the investigation.

Against whom did Rohit seek FIR?

Rohit Pawar's direct allegation is that there was complete negligence in the plane crash. He demanded a criminal case against the aircraft company VSR Ventures and DGCA (top civil aviation official). He says that this accident happened due to negligence, and now efforts are being made to hide the truth. He told the media, "Despite repeatedly going to the police, my complaint is not being registered. There should be a serious investigation into the role of the company and the regulatory authority. When the police are not taking FIR in such a big case, then it is suspected that some big people are stopping everything from behind. The truth must come out."

Why did the police reject the FIR?

Rohit first went to Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai, the complaint was not taken there. Then reached Baramati Taluka Police Station, where there was a conversation with the additional SP of Pune Rural for about two hours. Police said that CID is already engaged in the investigation, the new FIR will lead to double investigation, which is wrong. Later, Rohit went to Pune headquarters of CID and held a meeting with senior officers there for one and a half hours. There was no FIR registered, but he got his entire statement recorded.

What first steps were taken by the family?

Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar had already written a letter to the Chief Minister demanding that the investigation be handed over to the CBI. Rohit also alleged that some people associated with the union government may be involved in this alleged conspiracy. She has said many times that this is not just an accident but seems like some big game.

What did CID say on the investigation?

CID officials are saying that the investigation is going on fully and is going in the right direction. An officer said that considering the seriousness of the accident, this case was transferred to CID under section 194. Three big angles are being looked into in the investigation—was there sabotage, criminal negligence, or a criminal conspiracy? Many agencies are involved, their reports are being included. AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) report will also be added when it comes. A proposal to transfer to CBI has also been sent.

DGCA has already grounded four planes of VSR company due to safety lapse. No FIR has been filed yet, but the family members are continuously applying pressure. This matter is now hot both politically and emotionally – what the truth is will be known after the investigation is completed.