Pune: MVA Demands Action Against Ex Minister Tanaji Sawant Over Alleged Abuse of Power In Flight Recall
Pune: MVA Demands Action Against Ex Minister Tanaji Sawant Over Alleged Abuse of Power In Flight Recall
Pune: The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has called for the arrest of former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant and the resignation of Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, accusing them of abusing their positions to manipulate the system. The demand follows an incident involving Sawant’s son, who was allegedly “kidnapped” but later found on a Bangkok-bound chartered flight that was diverted back to Pune.
Opposition leaders claim that Sawant and Mohol misused their influence, alleging that the flight was recalled under false pretenses. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticized the incident, stating that constitutional power should be used for public welfare, not personal matters. He questioned how Sawant was unaware of his son’s travel plans despite the significant cost involved.
The controversy began when Pune police received an anonymous call about the alleged abduction of Rishiraj Sawant, 32. Acting swiftly, they registered a kidnapping case after the former minister approached the police commissioner. However, investigations later revealed that Rishiraj had voluntarily booked a private flight to Bangkok. On instructions from civil aviation authorities, the flight was directed to return to Pune.
NCP (SP) leader Sunil Mane asserted that Sawant had misled authorities, prompting an immediate police response without the standard 24-hour waiting period for missing persons cases. He demanded legal action against Sawant for allegedly filing a false complaint and Mohol for facilitating the flight’s recall.
Sushma Andhare Criticizes Government Over Unequal Justice in Criminal Cases
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare has strongly criticized the Maharashtra government and Pune Police, highlighting the disparity in handling criminal cases based on political influence.
“On one hand, people have to wait endlessly just to get an FIR registered in the murder case of Santosh Deshmukh. In Badlapur, we had to sit under the scorching sun for eight hours to get a case filed. But on the other hand, ministers easily benefit from their position in power. What a remarkable government, what a privileged Mr. Sawant, and what commendable Pune Police,” Andhare remarked.
Her statement comes in the wake of growing allegations that political leaders are misusing their influence to manipulate the justice system while ordinary citizens struggle for fair legal proceedings.
Defending their actions, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated that they acted promptly to ensure the situation did not escalate, coordinating with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to bring the aircraft back while it was still within Indian airspace.
The incident has sparked political outrage, with the opposition demanding accountability for what they describe as blatant power misuse.
