ONI Bureau: Former Lok Sabha MP Baijayant Panda has appeared at the DGCA office to clarify on allegations levelled against him in helicopter row. Panda is accused of flying helicopter over Chilika Lake on September 15, violating the flight norms.
The DGCA had issued a notice to him on September 19 to appear in person at the Delhi office. Baijayant Panda already clarified that he never flew over Chilika Lake, but had gone to Puri, Konark and Kendrapara on the same day. He also posted the geotag image to prove that he was in Puri at 9:32 AM while FIR says he was in Chilika at 9:30 AM.
The Puri Police had sealed the IMFA hangar at Bhubaneswar Airport, leading to seizure of all 3 helicopters stationed inside. The Puri Police had also issued summons to Mr. Panda to appear before them.
After meeting the DGCA officials, Jay Panda told the reporters that he has furnished all details and countered all “baseless allegations” against him by Odisha Police. “Truth will prevail”, he said.