Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said cases of culpable homicide will be filed against the owner of UY Aviation Pvt. Ltd. after the government receives a report on the Ghatkopar plane crash from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB).
A chartered plane had crashed in Ghatkopar last month, killing four crew and a passer-by. The issue was raised by Congress MLA Vijay Vadettiwar in the Legislative Assembly. Mr Vadettiwar also highlighted other plane crash incidents in Nasik, Raigad, Dhule and Gondia.
He said the crew’s families have alleged the plane was not airworthy, but the company forced the pilots to test-fly it. “Merely worshipping the plane does not guarantee safety. Is the government going to take action against the company?” he said.
In reply, Mr. Fadnavis said, “AAIB is probing the case. The government will receive the final report once the inquiry is over, depending on which a case of culpable homicide will be filed against owner Deepak Kothari, if necessary.”
In response to a query on slums near Mumbai airport by Shiv Sena MLA Sunil Prabhu, the CM said they create a number of problems. “However, despite having only one airstrip, Mumbai airport has been one of the most efficient airports in the world with record number of landings. The slums will be redeveloped where they exist.”
NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, attending his first legislative session obtaining bail in a money laundering case, demanded compensation for grape and pomegranate farmers on whose land an Indian Air Force Sukhoi fighter jet crashed.
Mr. Fadnavis said he will personally look into the matter and discuss compensation with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
Action against rly. officials
The CM also promised strict action against railway officers for the road overbridge collapse in Andheri. Asmita Katkar, who was grievously injured, died a week ago. “Responsibility of maintaining railway bridges in Mumbai stands with the railways. They are to conduct safety audit of the bridges. The BMC provides monetary help for the same,” said Mr Fadnavis.
He said a high-level inquiry is being conducted by the railways. “Officers found guilty will be tried for culpable homicide.”
Mr. Fadnavis said structural audits of 304 bridges in BMC limits have been completed, and the tendering process for repairs and maintenance is in progress.
He said, “In his meeting with Central and Western Railway officials, the Union Railway Minister issued instructions for safety audits of all bridges crossing railway lines. A team is being formed with the help of IIT-Bombay for the audit and other necessary arrangements are being made.”
