Nephews Rohit, Yugendra question govt inaction over Ajit Pawar plane crash probe

Pune: Nephews of late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and NCP (SP) members Rohit Pawar and Yugendra Pawar on Thursday claimed that justice has eluded their uncle as the plane accident in which he and four others died was now four months old without any progress on finding out the circumstances under which it crashed.

Ajit Pawar’s younger son Jay and Yugendra visited Vidya Pratishthan grounds in Baramati where the last rites were performed and paid tribute on Thursday. Several supporters of the late leader also visited the grounds.

Speaking about his uncle, Yugendra said, “On the day of the crash, I was in Baramati and I rushed to the site within a few minutes and saw his body. Even so, I find it difficult to accept that my uncle is not alive. It has been four months since the crash but I feel that he is still around. People of Baramati remember him every day.”

While govt has been assuring that all facts regarding the plane crash will be brought forward, Yugendra expressed his disappointment over the progress of the investigation.

“The AAIB came out with a preliminary report of the crash but we found various lacunae in the meeting. We have urged govt to get the final report on the crash at the earliest. If the family members of politicians like Ajit Pawar are not getting justice from govt, what can common people expect,” he said.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar shared an emotional post on social media to remember his uncle saying that despite their political differences, the personal bond between them remained strong.

In a video showcasing Ajit Pawar and him working together, Rohit claimed that some people tried to politicise Ajit Pawar’s death for their political benefit but in reality did nothing to find out the facts about the crash.

“Some people are using his name only for their personal gain. They criticise me when I keep raising the issue of the crash. However, I will not keep quiet till I find the truth and ensure that the people responsible are punished. I see the delay in the investigation as an injustice to my uncle and the entire family,” he said in the video.