Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into Wednesday’s plane crash in Baramati that killed Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, alleging that existing investigative agencies have lost credibility.
Mamata seems to have smelt a conspiracy in the whole affair and said that only an inquiry under the supervision of the Supreme Court would bring out the truth.
“We trust only the Supreme Court. All other agencies have been completely compromised,” she said while addressing the media before leaving for Singur from Kolkata, adding that justice would not be delivered through routine probes.
Expressing shock over Pawar’s death, she said the incident reflected a broader breakdown of sa
fety in the country. “There is no safety or security in this country, even for political leaders,” she said. “Even those who are part of the ruling establishment today do not seem to be safe.”
Pawar was considering returning to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by his uncle Sharad Pawar, Mamata said, citing reports that had circulated in recent days. Her remarks were probably prompted by the release of a joint manifesto by Pawar and Supriya Sule of the NCP – Sharad Pawar faction before the Pune civic polls.
Pawar (66), and four others were killed when a business jet carrying them crash-landed at Baramati airport in Pune district on Wednesday morning. The Bombardier Learjet 45, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, was flying from Mumbai to Baramati when it went off the runway during landing and burst into flames.
A source claimed the pilot reported poor visibility near the runway moments before the attempted landing. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to investigate the crash.
Pawar is survived by his wife, Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar, and two sons. Maharashtra has declared three days of state mourning through January 30.