Pioneer in short
Black box recovered from Baramati crash
The black box of the Learjet 45 that crashed near Baramati airstrip on Wednesday, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, has been recovered, the Civil Aviation Ministry said. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe into the crash, which occurred during the aircraft’s second landing attempt in poor visibility at the uncontrolled tabletop airstrip. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking state support for accessing the crash site, coordinating with local authorities, and expediting the investigation. The ministry emphasised a thorough, transparent, and time-bound inquiry, with key findings to be shared with the state government. The aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd and manufactured by Bombardier, carried Pawar, pilot Sumit Kapur, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, flight attendant Pinky Mali, and Pawar’s security officer Vidip Jadhav. All five died. AAIB and DGCA teams are collecting evidence on-site. Bombardier expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation. Pawar’s last rites were held with full state honours at Baramati. Authorities are examining all aspects, including poor visibility and the airstrip’s limited landing infrastructure, to prevent future accidents.
TN SIR comes under SC scrutiny
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publicly display the names of voters listed under “logical discrepancies” at gram panchayat bhavans, Taluka offices, and urban ward offices during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The move aims to ensure affected voters have adequate opportunity to submit documents or objections, either personally or via authorised representatives, including Booth Level Agents. The directions follow pleas alleging procedural irregularities in Tamil Nadu, where mismatches in parents’ or grandparents’ ages, father’s name, or having more than six progeny have placed some electors in the “logical discrepancies” category.
Dehradun: KAshmiri man attacked
The prime accused in the assault on an 18-year-old Kashmiri shawl seller in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, has been arrested following intervention by J&K Leader Omar Abdullah, the state government said. The youth sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a group of people on Wednesday. Abdullah reportedly contacted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, urging strict action and ensuring safety for J&K residents. Dhami assured registration of an FIR and prompt action against the perpetrators. Uttarakhand Police registered an FIR at Vikasnagar Police Station against Sanjay Yadav and another individual under Sections 117(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Sanjay Yadav has been taken into custody and will be sent to jail. The assault drew widespread condemnation. CPI(M) MLA MY Tarigami called it part of a disturbing pattern targeting Kashmiri traders.
