On March 3, during the Holika Dahan celebrations in Chandanwadi, Thane, demonstrators expressed their frustration regarding the ongoing investigation into the airplane crash that led to the death of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar. The protesters set fire to a Holika effigy designed to resemble a VSR company aircraft. This act symbolized their demand for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Pawar’s demise.

The demonstrators voiced concerns over the lack of action from authorities, particularly the police, in officially registering a First Information Report (FIR) related to the incident. Mahesh Kadam, a local protestor, emphasized the need for clarity about whether Pawar’s death was accidental or if further scrutiny was warranted. He stated that their protest was intended to memorialize the respected leader while pressing for an inquiry, which they believe is overdue. “This year, we are burning an effigy of the VSR company’s aircraft and logo because it has been over a month since Ajit Dada Pawar’s passing, yet no investigation has been launched into the cause of his death,” Kadam explained to reporters.

Family Questions Preliminary Findings

On the same day, Jay Pawar, the son of the late Deputy Chief Minister, openly challenged the initial report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) concerning the plane crash. Jay Pawar demanded strict measures against VSR Ventures if any safety violations are confirmed in the investigation.

Previously, on February 25, Rohit Pawar, a Nationalist Congress Party MLA, attempted to file an FIR at the Marine Drive police station in Mumbai concerning the plane crash. He alleged that police officials initially refrained from registering the complaint. Upon visiting the station, Rohit Pawar found a junior officer present, who was authorized to file the FIR, alongside the senior police inspector. After discussions, the officers began the process of documenting the FIR. However, an Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police arrived and declined to allow the FIR to be filed.

Details of the Crash

Ajit Pawar tragically lost his life on January 28 when the Learjet 45, carrying him and four others, crash-landed while trying to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. The aircraft came down near the runway threshold, resulting in the fatalities of all occupants, including Pawar, his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and both pilots. They were en route from Mumbai to Baramati for a campaign related to the Zilla Panchayat elections.

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