Pune News: A chartered flight carrying former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant's son, Rishiraj Sawant and his two friends was abruptly turned back to Pune while en route to Bangkok. The diversion occurred after police registered a kidnapping case based on an anonymous tip-off, prompting urgent intervention from authorities.

The private aircraft, which departed for Thailand on Monday, was recalled mid-flight after aviation authorities verified the situation. Initially, when the airline operator received a request to return the flight, they dismissed it as a possible hoax. However, after confirmation from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the decision was taken to bring the plane back.

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An executive from the airline confirmed that such mid-air diversions usually occur only for medical or technical emergencies. "This was an unusual case where a flight was recalled due to a criminal investigation involving a passenger," he said.

According to a NDTV report, the aircraft was flying over Port Blair when the order to return was issued. To avoid any disturbance on board, passengers were not informed about the diversion. The in-flight navigation screens were switched off, ensuring Rishiraj and his friends remained unaware of the change. They continued their journey, assuming they were still headed to Bangkok.

Passengers Were Kept Uninformed About Flight Diversion

The flight landed back at Pune airport between 8 PM and 8:30 PM, where security personnel quickly boarded the aircraft. Rishiraj and his companions were taken by surprise and confronted the pilots, demanding an explanation. The pilot-in-command stated they were following official instructions. The trio was then escorted off the plane by CISF personnel.

According to the airline executive, the DGCA acknowledged the operator's decision to recall the flight and followed protocol accordingly. The company provided necessary information and demonstrated that all standard procedures were followed.

The chain of events began at around 4 PM on Monday when Pune police received an anonymous call claiming Rishiraj had been taken away by unidentified individuals. His father, Tanaji Sawant, rushed to the police commissioner's office, after which a kidnapping case was immediately registered.

Investigations later revealed that Rishiraj and his friends had privately booked the flight to Bangkok without informing his family. When questioned by police, he admitted that he had concealed the trip to avoid his family's objections, claiming it was for business purposes.

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Opposition Accuses Former Minister Of Police Misuse

Meanwhile, local Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders criticised the urgency with which police acted, alleging misuse of power by the former minister. They questioned how a kidnapping case was filed so quickly based on an anonymous complaint and suggested that law enforcement resources were influenced to bring back Sawant’s son.

Authorities are yet to clarify if any further action will be taken in the matter.