Mamata Banerjee seeks probe into Ajit Pawar plane crash; Maha Cong leader fears 'sabotage'

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Tributes poured in from leaders across the political spectrum following the tragic demise of NCP leader and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash near Baramati.

However, some political parties like TMC and Congress called for a probe into the incident, suggesting foulplay behind the crash.

In a post on X mourning Ajit Pawar, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that she is "deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise" of the NCP leader.

"The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji's all friends and followers," she said.

She added that the the incident "needs proper investigation".

Maharashtra Congress leader and former minister Dr Nitin Raut also expressed deep shock over the incident and expressed concerns over a possible sabotage.

He demanded investigation into the incident and cautioned against the use of helicopters and small aeroplanes by political leaders.

Meanwhile, sources said that a team of DGCA officials is likely to visit the crash site and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will investigate the cause behind the crash.