Mid-Air Drama: Flight Returns Amid Kidnap Concerns for Ex-Minister's Son

A chartered flight carrying Tanaji Sawant's son, Rishiraj, returned mid-air to Pune from Bangkok following a kidnapping alert. Initially considered a hoax by pilots, the turnaround was confirmed with aviation authorities. The incident triggered political allegations of misuse of power by the former minister.

In an unprecedented mid-air turnaround, a chartered flight carrying Rishiraj Sawant, son of ex-Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant, was instructed to return to Pune, cutting short its journey to Bangkok. This decision followed a kidnapping alert involving the passenger, as corroborated by aviation authorities.

The pilots, initially doubtful of the directive's authenticity, complied after verification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the urgency. The unexpected diversion left Rishiraj and his companions unaware until they landed in Pune, sparking surprise and confusion.

Political tensions flared as opposition leaders accused the former minister of manipulating police resources to recall his son. The rapid lodging of a kidnapping report after an anonymous call prompted these allegations, marking a contentious chapter in Maharashtra's political landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)