Mamata Banerjee Hints At Foul Play, Seeks Supreme Court–Monitored Probe; Congress Follows Suit

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday expressed deep condolences after reports emerged about the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati.

She also demanded a Supreme Court-supervised investigation into the incident, raising concerns over safety and possible foul play.

Reacting strongly, Banerjee questioned the overall security situation in the country and said even senior political leaders were not safe.

"There is no safety or security for the people of this country, not even for political leaders. I do not know what stand other opposition parties are taking, but a few days ago I saw reports on social media claiming that Ajit Pawar was planning to leave the BJP. And now this has happened. I want a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court," she said.

Opposition Voices Raise Suspicion, Seek Investigation

While condolences poured in from leaders across party lines, some opposition leaders and parties demanded a detailed probe into the circumstances of the crash. Leaders from the Trinamool Congress and the Congress hinted that the incident should not be treated as a routine accident.

Maharashtra Congress leader and former minister Dr Nitin Raut said the news was shocking and raised the possibility of sabotage. He urged authorities to investigate all angles and also cautioned political leaders against frequent use of helicopters and small aircraft.

Banerjee, in a separate post on X, said she was "deeply shocked and stunned" by the reported demise of Ajit Pawar and the others on board the aircraft. She extended condolences to Pawar's family, including his uncle Sharad Pawar, and to his supporters and well-wishers.

DGCA and AAIB Likely to Step In

Meanwhile, sources said that a team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to visit the crash site. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is likely to conduct a detailed inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.

Officials said technical checks, weather conditions, maintenance records, and pilot communication would be examined as part of the investigation.

As political reactions continue and demands for transparency grow, authorities are expected to release more information once the preliminary investigation is completed.