DGCA finds Raman Singh uses helicopters assigned for naxal operations

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation ( DGCA) has found that Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh uses helicopters that was hired by the state government to be used for naxal operations.

The helicopter – Bell 407 with VT-KSA registration number – was hired from King Rotors and Air Charter Pvt Ltd by the state government to be used for police action in Naxal areas.

"We have found that the helicopter was used to ferry Chhattisgarh CM, which is in violation of the rules that mandates a dual engine helicopter to be used to ferry VIPs," said a senior DGCA official, who did not want to be identified.

The official added that they have asked the company to furnish all the details about the sorties made by this helicopter. "We have called the company representatives now and will also call the head of civil aviation in Chhattisgarh at a later stage," said the official.