Police Rescue Hoax Diverts Private Jet Mid-Air to Pune

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Photo courtesy of Marathi News

 

In an extraordinary twist, a private jet carrying Rishiraj Sawant, son of former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant, and two friends was redirected back to Pune following a shocking kidnap hoax. The flight, en route to Bangkok, was turned around on Monday, February 10, after an anonymous tip-off claimed Rishiraj had been abducted.

 

Initially dismissed as a prank, aviation officials acted after receiving orders from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. An airline executive described the mid-air recall as unprecedented, noting such diversions usually only occur for medical or technical reasons.

 

While flying over Port Blair, the plane’s navigation screens were turned off to avoid alarming passengers. Meanwhile, Rishiraj and his companions were unaware of the detour, thinking they were still headed to Bangkok. Upon landing in Pune around 8 pm, they were taken by surprise as security forces boarded the aircraft.

 

 

The saga began earlier that day when Pune police received an anonymous call about Rishiraj’s alleged kidnapping. His father promptly reported it, prompting immediate police action. However, it later turned out that Rishiraj had hired the jet for a secret business trip, fearing familial disapproval.

 

Local Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have questioned whether the minister influenced the swift police action that led to the flight's recall. Authorities have yet to confirm any further investigations or actions in response to this surprising incident, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-02-13