Don’t deal with Ravi Rishi’s chopper firm,warns MHA

Though the DGCA has gone into an appeal against the stay order,the Vectra group resumed its operations in June this year.

The DGCA had suspended Global Vectra’s permit on May 7 this year on the recommendations of the MHA after it raised security concerns about the firm. The government also withdrew security clearance of Rishi who is facing allegations of irregularities in the supply of Tatra trucks to the Army.

“Global Vectra Helicorp has resumed its operations after the Delhi High Court’s stay order. We have appealed against the order. Their licence was suspended on reports of the MHA which provides security clearance,” said Arun Mishra,DGCA.

After the High Court’s order,the MHA issued a general instruction against any kind of business with the company. “The fact that the security clearance to the company has been withdrawn and pendency of the proceedings be kindly be taken note of while extending existing contracts or while entering into fresh contracts with Global Vectra Private Limited,” the MHA note said.

The note circulated among government departments and other agencies who deal in the aviation sector also cautioned that the “licence was withdrawn on the basis of adverse intelligence reports”.

“As far as our records are concerned there was no safety issue with the fleet of choppers provided by the company. The MHA is responsible for the security aspect and when they gave an adverse report we suspended it,” said a senior DGCA official.

Two days ago,the ministry moved Delhi High Court again in appeal against the stay order and the next date of hearing is September 27. With a fleet of 23 helicopters,the company has been in existence since 1998.