The Hindu : National : Copter landing: complaint against Lalu

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Friday, Aug 03, 2007
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Copter landing: complaint against Lalu

Special Correspondent

PATNA: A Muzaffarpur lawyer on Thursday filed a complaint with the Chief Judicial Magistrate against the landing of an IAF chopper carrying Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and Union Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh on the National Highway 28, while on an aerial survey of the flood damage in north Bihar on Wednesday.

Advocate Sudhir Kumar Ojha said the copter landed without prior permission, causing distress and putting to peril the lives of road-users.

Besides Mr. Prasad and Mr. Singh, the pilot of the helicopter has been named in the complaint.

‘Lost control of bike’

The lawyer alleged he lost control of his motorbike when he suddenly saw the approaching chopper and suffered injuries. He charged that several other vehicles too crashed.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Sinha directed the Muzaffarpur Superintendent of Police Ratan Sanjay to inquire into the matter and submit a report within three days.

Mr. Ojha told The Hindu over phone: “The pilot will have to tell whether he landed on his own or at the behest of Mr. Prasad and Mr. Singh because the helicopter had no fault to warrant an emergency landing.”

“No clearance taken”

The lawyer, who is also the district vice-president of the Lok Jan Shakti Party (LJP), maintained that political leaders should seek permission even to address a public meeting.

Mr. Prasad addressed the people though he had not obtained official clearance, he said.

Mr. Ojha, in his complaint, accused the Ministers and the pilot of irresponsible driving, causing damage to public property and attempt to murder, among other charges.

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