The Puri police swung into action on Tuesday against a helicopter that had allegedly flown over the Chilika lake on September 15.
Based on an FIR lodged by a Chilika Development Authority (CDA) official at the Arakhakuda police station, the police slapped notices on former MP Baijayant Panda and two co-passengers Abihjit Iyer Mitra and Arati Tikoo for carrying the helicopter in the no flying eco-sensitive zone of the Chilika lagoon.
The helicopter was also seized and notices issued to the crew of the chopper and two co-passengers for appearance in SP office on Wednesday, informed Puri SP Sarthak Sarangi in a Press meet on Tuesday evening. Sarangi said they have received written complaint from Binod Acharya, ACF to CDA; and based on it, they have seized the helicopter and issued notices for appearance. Even the helicopter had landed in Chilka having a hanger and glider viral in social media posted by the tourists, said Sarangi to reporters. He informed that the case is under scrutiny and the AAI has been asked for more information related to the chopper. In contrast to the FIR, another written complaint was lodged in Arkahkuda police station by one Pradip Kumar Behera of Arakhkuda village stating the white model helicopter had only passed over seashore without entering the Chilka lake. He claimed to have watched the flight. Sources said on Friday, the Robinson R-44 helicopter of Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Limited (IMFA) had allegedly made some rounds near the Chilka lake, in which the former MP was the crew.
When a viral photo in social media shows landing of the plane at an unknown place, another FIR refuting the change of flight cited it only passed over the sea beach without entering the lake.