Black box of crashed aircraft recovered after Ajit Pawar's death
What's the story
The black box from the aircraft that crashed in Baramati, Pune district on Wednesday has been recovered. The device was found at the rear of the plane and will be handed over to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for further investigation, News18 reported. The crash claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.
Funeral details
Pawar's tragic demise and funeral arrangements
Pawar was on his way to Baramati for a public rally when the incident occurred. His funeral will be held on Thursday at 11:00am in Baramati, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah likely to attend. The national flag will be flown at half-mast across Maharashtra as a mark of respect for the late leader.
Investigation progress
DGCA and AAIB notified, investigation underway
The 16-year-old Learjet 45 aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, went down while attempting a second landing and crashed about 200 meters short of the tabletop runway at Baramati airport. On Thursday, the Pune Rural Police registered an accidental death report (ADR) at the Baramati taluka police station. The ADR will be transferred to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will conduct a parallel probe based on findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Political impact
Pawar's death raises questions about NCP's future
Pawar's death has left a void in both the BJP-led ruling alliance and raised questions about the future of his Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Calling it "purely an accident," Pawar's uncle and NCP founder Sharad Pawar urged against politicizing this tragic accident. "This is a huge loss for Maharashtra. Maharashtra has lost a dynamic and decisive leader. Some people are saying there is some politics behind this, but it was an accident, and there is no politics involved," he said.