DGCA to probe ‘chopper hovering’ allegations against Jay Panda

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Sep 18, 2018 at 2:47 PM Updated On : Sep 19, 2018 at 9:09 AM

Bhubaneswar: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will probe into the allegations of former Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda’s chopper flying in ‘no flying zone’ over Chilika lake.

Informing this, Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPCA) director Suresh Chandra Hota today said the black box data from the chopper will be investigated to establish its flight details and whether it had flown low over sanctuary.

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Hota said, “when any aircraft flies as low as 500-ft above the ground, it is difficult to avail any data as we lose contact with the chopper after 10-15 miles from the Bhubaneswar Airport.”

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It is pertinent to mention here that Puri police yesterday seized Panda’s personal helicopter and hangar for allegedly violating rules by flying in “no flying zone” over Chilika lake.

The police seized the helicopter hours after Assistant Conservator of Forests of Chilika Development Authority (CDA) Binod Acharya lodged an FIR at Marine Police Station in Arakhkuda in Puri.
The helicopter is registered under the name of Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys (IMFA), a company owned by Panda’s family.