Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 23: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Rohit Pawar on Monday called for a thorough and time-bound investigation into the death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, cautioning that the people of Maharashtra would not tolerate what he described as a “token inquiry.”

Addressing the media at Vidhan Bhavan, Rohit Pawar questioned the progress made in the past month, despite the case being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He expressed concern that the agency, already burdened with over 7,000 pending cases, might delay the probe unless a specific deadline is set.

“I welcome the CBI inquiry, but what concrete steps have been taken so far? Have CCTV recordings been secured? Has a proper criminal investigation been conducted? So far, only two preliminary reports have been filed. A deep and transparent probe is essential,” he said.

He added that leaders such as Amol Mitkari and Rupali Thombare, along with several grassroots workers, have consistently raised concerns surrounding the circumstances of Ajit Pawar’s death.

Rohit Pawar further alleged that he possesses evidence pointing to connections between influential individuals and the aviation firm VSR, including alleged links involving certain ministers. He also claimed to have material related to the condition of the aircraft’s Black Box, particularly the extent of the damage sustained.

Stressing that the issue should not be politicised, he said reports have already been submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), though he alleged that a significant portion of the information remains undisclosed.

“I have prepared a formal letter to the chief minister and will seek an appointment to submit both the letter and the supporting evidence. Maharashtra deserves clarity. If the investigation turns out to be merely procedural, the Marathi Manoos will demonstrate their strength,” he warned.

On the political front, Rohit Pawar also spoke about the possibility of NCP chief Sharad Pawar entering the Rajya Sabha. Highlighting Sharad Pawar’s six-decade-long political journey, he said the veteran leader’s experience continues to benefit both Maharashtra and the nation.

He noted that even Ajit Pawar had previously expressed support for such a move and that leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), including Sanjay Raut, have voiced similar sentiments. A final decision, he said, would be taken after Sharad Pawar returns to Mumbai and consults with alliance partners.

Concluding with a personal tribute, Rohit Pawar remembered Ajit Pawar as a disciplined and dynamic leader. “He was always the first to enter the Assembly and the last to leave. We have lost an experienced Marathi leader. No matter what, we will continue to fight to uncover the truth and raise the issues of the people,” he said.