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Investigation Launched Following Fatal Helicopter Incident

Dehradun: Two high-ranking officials from Aryan Aviation Private Ltd, the company responsible for the helicopter service, have been charged with negligence following a tragic crash near Kedarnath that resulted in the deaths of all seven individuals on board, including a toddler and the pilot.

The Bell 407 helicopter met its fate on Sunday due to adverse weather conditions in the Gauri Mai Khark forest area, situated between Gaurikund and Triyuginarayan, and was operated by Aryan Aviation Private Limited.

Authorities have filed a case against Kaushik Pathak, the accountable manager, and Vikas Tomar, the manager, at the Sonprayag police station. They are being charged under Section 105 of the BNS (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and Section 10 of the Aircraft Act of 1934, which pertains to penalties for breaching regulations, especially those concerning the transport of hazardous materials or providing misleading information.

The case was initiated following a complaint from Revenue Police Sub Inspector Rajiv Nakholia, who is stationed in Phata, a town close to the revered Himalayan temple.

According to the complaint, Aryan Aviation was scheduled for helicopter operations from 6 am to 7 am on June 15, yet the crash occurred at 5:30 am, prior to their allotted time.

Moreover, despite the cloudy and foggy conditions prevailing since morning, the weather was not assessed before the helicopter's departure.

The complaint alleges that the standard operating procedures (SOP) mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) were disregarded, with the company’s managers fully aware that such negligence could lead to loss of life and property.

It further claims that Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd and its management exhibited gross negligence in fulfilling their duties, which ultimately led to the crash.