Supriya Sule Demands Enhanced Security For Rohit Pawar
In a significant development surrounding the investigation into the fatal plane crash that killed former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule has called on the state government to bolster security measures for her nephew and party MLA Rohit Pawar.
Sule expressed serious concerns over Rohit Pawar’s safety, citing the intense scrutiny and backlash he has faced after publicly questioning the circumstances of the January 28 incident at Baramati airport. The crash claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar and four others when their Learjet 45XR aircraft went down during landing.
Rohit Pawar, a two-term legislator, has held press conferences alleging possible sabotage in the crash. He has demanded the resignation of Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu pending completion of the inquiry and accused authorities of shielding Delhi-based VSR Ventures Private Ltd, the operator of the chartered plane.
Speaking in Pune, Sule highlighted that Rohit Pawar was posing questions backed by factual arguments, which had sparked reactions across media and social platforms. “We all are seeing that Rohit is raising so many questions… with some factual arguments. And after raising questions, we are seeing reactions… also about the security concerns of Rohit Pawar. Even I am concerned about his security,” she stated, urging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to review and upgrade Rohit Pawar’s protection.
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Sule stressed that every citizen has a constitutional right to question authorities, and Rohit Pawar was voicing widespread public doubts. “It is extremely important that he is provided adequate security and the full responsibility to ensure his safety must be taken by the state government,” she added.
The calls for enhanced protection come amid growing family and political divisions. Ajit Pawar’s younger son, Jay Pawar, has echoed skepticism about official explanations, including the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) claim that black boxes were destroyed by fire, and demanded a ban on VSR Ventures. Jay Pawar’s remarks followed a meeting where his mother, Sunetra Pawar, and leaders from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP pressed Chief Minister Fadnavis for a CBI probe.
As the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau prepares to release a preliminary report, the episode underscores heightened sensitivities in Maharashtra politics following the tragedy.