NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar expressed fears for Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s safety during his 2023 trip to Davos, alleging a potential risk to his life. Pawar suggested a conspiracy involving aviation company VSR, citing similarities to a previous incident involving late Ajit Pawar’s plane. The incident reportedly occurred between January 16 and 20, 2023, when Shinde, then Maharashtra Chief Minister, was en route to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Pawar claimed that the private jet, operated by VSR, had entered Iranian airspace without proper clearances while flying towards Zurich after refueling in Bahrain. Iranian authorities allegedly issued a warning threatening to shoot down the aircraft if it did not turn back immediately, with a similar situation occurring in Iraq. Pawar emphasized the necessity of strict Flight Plans and clearances for VIP or international movements, attributing the negligence to VSR.
Questioning the series of events, Pawar pondered whether these incidents were coincidental or a deliberate attempt to jeopardize the safety of top Maharashtra leaders. He also highlighted discrepancies in safety reports of both leaders, pointing out the absence of the Investigating Officer’s name in Ajit Pawar’s recent plane crash report. Pawar alleged that the aircraft used by Ajit Pawar had under-logged hours to conceal wear and tear, raising concerns about the pilots’ violation of VIP protocols.
Pawar demanded an investigation into the incidents and urged Deputy CM Eknath Shinde to clarify the Bahrain-Iran incident from 2023, suggesting that data from Bahrain’s aviation authorities could corroborate his claims.
