Keralam Lok Ayuktha seeks files of helicopter rental deal and travel of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan

The Lok Ayuktha of Keralam has sought to know from the State government whether any file relating to the extension or renewal of agreement for hiring a helicopter from Chipsan Aviation Private Limited is under its consideration.

A Division Bench of the anti-corruption body consisting of Lok Ayuktha N. Anilkumar and Upa Lok Ayuktha Ashok Menon sought the details on a petition filed by social activist K. M. Shajahan, who maintained that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan was unfit to continue in office as he abused his official position and committed nepotism and maladministration following the use of a helicopter from the company at a time when a proposal from the company to provide a helicopter on pay-per-use basis was pending before the government.

Earlier, the government had entered into an agreement with the firm to provide a helicopter for a fixed monthly charge of ₹80 lakh for 25 flying hours. The recommendation of the State Police Chief for the extension of service was under the consideration of the government, claimed Mr. Shajahan. He alleged that the Chief Minister used the helicopter of the company at a time when it had a direct and substantial commercial interest in a matter to be decided by the State government.