NCP Leader Amol Mitkari Raises Questions Over Circumstances Surrounding Ajit Pawar’s Death Ankit Salvi | Mumbai

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLC Amol Mitkari has raised serious questions over the circumstances surrounding the death of senior leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, saying several inconsistencies linked to the incident continue to trouble his conscience.

In an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), Mitkari said Pawar’s death remains difficult to accept. He recalled seeing two chairs at the Devgiri venue one meant for the public and another used by Pawar, which he said left him deeply shaken.

He shared Ajit Pawar’s Tuesday schedule, noting that Pawar had no official engagements after the afternoon on the day before his death and had met party workers at the same venue before leaving for Baramati the next day.

Among the concerns raised were discrepancies in the reported death toll. While six people were said to have died
in the accident, only five bodies were reportedly recovered.

Mitkari questioned the whereabouts of the sixth person and pointed to inconsistencies in the digitally recorded passenger list, which is typically finalised before take-off.

He also questioned why no burnt paper debris was found at the crash site and why the pilot was changed multiple times before the flight. Raising concerns over aviation safety, he asked why a Learjet 45 aircraft, which he claimed has a history of accidents and safety lapses, was selected for a high-profile leader such as the Deputy Chief Minister.

Mitkari further sought a detailed technical explanation regarding the appointment of pilot Sumit Kapoor, alleging that reports indicated previous official action or suspension linked to alcohol-related issues. He questioned the medical fitness certification, safety clearances, and Crew Resource Management (CRM) protocols under which the pilot was cleared to operate the flight.

Expressing deep anguish, he said that, “it hard to believe that Pawar could have died in such a manner and called for accountability if any wrongdoing was involved” He emphasised that raising questions should not be misconstrued as spreading rumours.

“I do not wish to politicise the death, but I have been grappling with unanswered questions for the past three days,” Mitkari said.
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