Flight Carrying Ex-Minister's Son to Bangkok Diverted to Pune Over Kidnapping Claim

The plane was turned back mid-air after an anonymous call alleged a kidnapping, leading to a police investigation and swift action by authorities.

Rushiraj Sawant, son of Shiv Sena leader and former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant, was traveling to Bangkok on a chartered flight with two friends when the plane was diverted back to Pune.
The diversion was prompted by an anonymous call to Pune police alleging Rushiraj's kidnapping, which led to a criminal case being registered.
The flight crew initially dismissed the recall request as a potential hoax but complied after verification from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Rushiraj and his friends were unaware of the diversion until landing in Pune, where they were escorted off the plane by CISF personnel.
Opposition leaders have accused Tanaji Sawant of misusing police resources to recall the flight, as investigations revealed the trip was kept secret from his family to avoid disapproval.