Fresh political unrest was evident in Mumbai at 5 AM on February 25, 2023, that arose from an initial legal complaint regarding an alleged malicious publication made against Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar. The situation led to a standoff between police and supporters of Mr Pawar at the Downtown Police Station, whose cause they claimed was due to the fatal crash of a helicopter.
Confrontation at Marine Drive Police Station
A member of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) called on the Marine Drive police station to seek the filing of an FIR (First Information Report) against VSR Ventures, the directors and officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and state government authorities. Rohit Pawar believes he was acting as a private citizen in requesting that an FIR be filed. He believes the police can’t refuse to file the FIR; he questioned the officer’s authority for his failure to file the FIR. He characterised it as particularly troubling given that a current deputy chief minister was involved in this situation. Additionally, he made it clear that he would pursue the matter further in Baramati and would insist on having an FIR filed there.
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Police Response and CID Probe
The Police, Marine Drive, have now issued a statement indicating that there is already an FIR against this matter and that the MAHARASTRA CID are currently investigating the matter. A separate report of accidental death has also been recorded in Baramati.
Mr Praveen Munde, Deputy Commissioner of Police, has confirmed to us that Mr Rohit Pawar’s complaint is being investigated by the CID. The police confirm that the investigation is in progress and ongoing.
Serious Allegations in 20-Page Complaint
A 20-page complaint was submitted by Rohit Pawar, which included numerous accusations and named Vijay Kumar Singha and Rohit Kumar Singh of VSR Ventures Private Ltd, as well as serious allegations against DGCA officials (including forgery and deviation from procedure). The complaint alleges that both Arrow Aircraft Sales and Charters Pvt Ltd and VSR Ventures were responsible for lapses in adherence to safety standards when operating aircraft.
DGCA audit authority issues of non-compliance in relation to safety audits for airworthy and aeronautical services were raised as part of the complaint; the matter was viewed by Mr Pawar as providing an independent verification of the basis of previous concerns raised by him.
The investigation rests with the CID and as the demand for an impartial and full investigation increases, many in Maharashtra are still seeking answers to the questions created as a result of the accident which resulted in fatalities.
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