On February 2, 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut made a compelling demand for an independent judicial inquiry into the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Raut's call for transparency comes in the wake of an air crash that claimed Pawar's life and has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Maharashtra. The incident, which occurred on January 28, resulted in the death of Ajit Pawar and four others, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
During his address in the Upper House, Raut emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, citing the nature of the accident as a reason for public concern. He pointed out that Ajit Pawar was under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in a ₹70,000 crore irrigation scam in Maharashtra. Raut noted that Pawar had recently distanced himself from these allegations after aligning with the BJP, making his sudden demise even more suspicious.
- Fatal Air Crash — The crash near Baramati resulted in the immediate death of all five occupants.
- Timing of the Accident — Raut questioned the coincidence of Pawar's recent political statements and the crash.
- Demand for Transparency — Raut insists on a judicial probe to uncover the truth.
Raut recalled a statement made by Pawar on January 15, where he allegedly accused the BJP of embezzling substantial funds related to the same irrigation scam just days before his untimely death. This connection has fueled suspicions about the accident's timing, prompting Raut to assert, "There should be an investigation. There should be an independent judicial inquiry," reflecting the stance of the opposition regarding this tragedy.
The crash occurred while the aircraft was operating in the Pune region, leading to the immediate loss of all five occupants on board. As Maharashtra mourns the loss of a significant political figure, Raut's demand for a judicial inquiry highlights the political dimensions surrounding this unfortunate event. Further details regarding the technical cause of the crash are still awaited from aviation authorities, as the state grapples with the implications of Pawar's death.
