Mamata Banerjee Demands SC Monitored Investigation Over Death Of Ajit Pawar

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday demanded an investigation into the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress chief Ajit Pawar.

Ajit Pawar, who was an MLA from Baramati, died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning in Baramati. All five people on board the aircraft were killed.

In a post on X, Banerjee said, "Deeply shocked and stunned by the sudden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family, including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji's all friends and followers. The incident needs a proper investigation."

Banerjee, while speaking to reporters in Singur, virtually refused to accept the incident as a mere accident. She alleged that there might be a deep mystery behind this death. Therefore, she demanded a high-level investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court without delay.

Banerjee said, "I am deeply shocked to hear the news of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash this morning. Even political leaders are not safe in this country, let alone common people. Two days ago, I came to know that someone from another party had given a statement that Pawar was willing to leave the BJP, and now this has happened today."

"I demand a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. We have trust only in the Supreme Court and no other agency. All agencies have been completely compromised. It is truly a great loss. My condolences to his family, the people of Maharashtra, and to Sharad Pawar," said the Trinamool Congress chief.

She claimed that just two days ago, she had received information from social media and various sources that Ajit Pawar wanted to leave the current National Democratic Alliance and the BJP. He was planning to return to his old party, the undivided Nationalist Congress Party, which was founded by former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar.

Banerjee said, "I had heard that he wanted to leave the BJP.. And just before that, this incident happened. I really don't know what is written in the fate of opposition leaders."

Banerjee also questioned the country's security system. She alleged that there is no security for ordinary people in the country today. "Even the lives of VVIPs or political leaders are not safe," she quipped.

Banerjee did not hide her lack of confidence regarding who would investigate this death. She clearly stated that she has absolutely no faith in the central investigating agencies (CBI or ED).

"All the central agencies in the country have been influenced or bought off. If they conduct the investigation, the truth will not be revealed. Our only hope is the country's highest court (the Supreme Court). Therefore, I demand that a full investigation into this incident be conducted under the supervision of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Only then will the real truth come to light," Banerjee said.

Meanwhile, a team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has reached Baramati. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the AAIB team had left from Delhi to Pune and finally to Baramati to inspect and start the investigation of the crash.

The Director General of AAIB has also reached Baramai. Ajit Pawar was an eight-time Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Baramati constituency in Pune district. He also represented the Baramati constituency in the Lok Sabha in 1991.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a three-day state mourning in Maharashtra following the demise of Ajit Pawar.

Read More

1. A Journey Cut Short: Ajit Pawar's Rise From Rural Roots To The Centre Of Maharashtra Power
2. Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: Prez Murmu, PM Modi And Leaders Across Parties Mourn Maharashtra Deputy CM's Death