Mumbai: The state home department, which has been asking for a helicopter for policing activity over the past five years, has apparently turned down the offer of a Dauphin chopper that was until recently used by the governor and the chief minister.
While the exact reason for the refusal is unclear, sources suggest that the police department is doubtful about the airworthiness of the 12-seater aircraft. Now, the Directorate of Civil Aviation, Maharashtra, is in the process of appointing an assessor to determine theprice at which it should be disposed off.
The government had earlier decided to buy a new chopper for the exclusive use of the police for general surveillance and particularly in emergencies.
02/01/13 Shahkar Abidi/Daily News & Analysis
