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Key Points

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called for a thorough investigation into the Uttarakhand helicopter crash, the fifth such incident in six weeks. Seven people, including the pilot, died in the latest accident near Gaurikund. Kharge urged both state and central governments to ensure proper safety measures for future trips. Meanwhile, helicopter services for Kedarnath have been temporarily suspended pending safety reviews.

Key Points: Kharge Demands Probe After Fifth Uttarakhand Chopper Crash in Six Weeks

  • Kharge demands accountability for repeated chopper crashes
  • Seven killed in latest Uttarakhand helicopter accident
  • Kedarnath services suspended for safety review
  • Aryan Aviation operations halted for Char Dham Yatra
2 min read

Fifth such accident in past six weeks: Kharge demands probe into U'khand chopper crash

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge seeks investigation into Uttarakhand helicopter crash, the fifth such incident in recent weeks.

"There is an appeal to the state and central government that these accidents should be investigated and proper safety arrangements should be ensured. – Mallikarjun Kharge"

New Delhi, June 15

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in Uttarakhand chopper crash and demanded a ‘thorough investigation’ into the mishap as well as proper safety arrangements for all trips, to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Raising an alarm over the gravity of situation, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha said that the chopper crash in Uttarakhand is fifth such helicopter accident in the last six weeks and demanded that accountability for these accidents must be fixed and those responsible must be brought to justice.

Taking to his social media handle, the Congress MP wrote: “The news of helicopter crash in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand is very painful. Seven passengers have died. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. May God give strength to the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”

“There is an appeal to the state and central government that these accidents should be investigated and proper safety arrangements should be ensured,” he further said.

Meanwhile, helicopter services for Kedarnath have been suspended for the next two days.

“Helicopter services will not run today or tomorrow. These services will remain closed until the safety of the passengers is ensured,” Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami told the mediapersons on Sunday.

Early this morning, seven people, including the pilot were killed after the chopper crashed near the forested area of Gaurikund in Rudraprayag district. The Aryan Aviation Helicopter was flying to Guptkashi from the Kedarnath Dham when it crashed at around 5.30 a.m. on Sunday.

In another crucial decision, the operations of Aryan Aviation for the Char Dham Yatra have been suspended with immediate effect. An official said that two helicopters belonging to M/s TransBharat Aviation -- bearing registration numbers VT-TBC and VT-TBF -- were found to have been airborne under similar unsuitable weather conditions following which the licenses of both pilots have been suspended for six months.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is heartbreaking news. Uttarakhand's difficult terrain makes helicopter travel risky, but 5 crashes in 6 weeks is unacceptable. The government must conduct a transparent investigation and implement stricter safety protocols. My prayers for the victims' families 🙏
P
Priya M.
While Kharge ji is right to demand investigation, this isn't about politics. Every life matters. The Char Dham yatra is sacred for millions, and safety must be top priority. Maybe we need better trained pilots and modern helicopters for Himalayan conditions?
A
Arjun S.
Why do we wait for tragedies to act? The suspension of licenses now is good but too late for those who lost lives. DGCA should conduct surprise checks on all pilgrimage route operators. Jai Hind!
S
Sunita R.
My cousin took this same route last month. Scary to think how easily it could have been her. The government must ensure proper compensation for victims' families and stricter penalties for negligent operators. Safety can't be compromised for profits.
V
Vikram J.
While the investigation is important, let's not forget the human tragedy. Seven families destroyed in an instant. The Uttarakhand government should create a memorial at the crash site to honor the victims. Om Shanti.
N
Neha P.
The weather in Himalayas is unpredictable, but that's exactly why we need better safety measures. Maybe implement mandatory weather checks before every flight? And why aren't helicopters equipped with better safety gear? So many questions need answers.

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