Beed MP & NCP (SP) member Bajrang Sonawane seeks thorough investigation in Ajit Pawar plane crash

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Beed MP and NCP (SP) member Bajrang Sonawane has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the aircrash that led to the death of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar near Baramati on Jan 28.Addressing a press conference, the NCP (SP) politician questioned the official account of the crash and said authorities must examine whether there was a bomb on board the aircraft. He further sought disclosure of CCTV footage from the morning of the crash day and questioned why the aircraft appeared to have exploded mid-air. Sonawane also said that questions raised by social activist Anjali Damania in connection with the crash be formally investigated. "The entire probe should be made public. From the pilot's identity to the sequence of events on the day of the incident, everything must be placed before the people," he said.Speaking emotionally about his association with the late leader, Sonawane said Ajit Pawar played a pivotal role in shaping his political career. "I have known Ajitdada since 1999. He was my political father. This feels like destiny's cruel game," he said.The Beed MP announced plans to build a grand memorial for Ajit Pawar in the Yedeshwari sugar factory area. "Such a memorial has never been built in Beed district before. It will inspire and energise people. We aim to complete it within one year and inaugurate it on his first death anniversary," he said, adding that Pawar's passing came at a time when Beed district was poised for development.Sonawane, however, refrained from commenting on political developments, including the possible reunion of the two NCP factions and Sunetra Pawar's oath-taking ceremony. "This is not the time for politics. There is a 10-day mourning period, which is why I stayed away from the media," he said.