Kerala govt set to use chopper for anti-Maoist drive
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The furore over Agali Maoist encounter has not bogged down the state government from intensifying its drive against the red ultras. The Home Department has given sanction to the Police Department to procure a helicopter on a wet-lease basis to intensify its anti-Maoist operations. Sanction has been given to procure AS 365 Dauphin N3 from Pawan Hans Ltd for a fixed monthly charge of Rs 1.44 crore for 20 hours flying per month. In case of flying beyond this limit, an hourly charge of Rs 68,000 will be levied extra.
The sanction was given in view of the proposal submitted by State Police Chief Loknath Behera.
Pawan Hans and Chipsan Aviation Ltd had submitted Expression of Interest, but the former was picked up after several bouts of discussions held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Tom Jose. Sources said technical aspects, specific requirements of helicopter and comparative statement of tender documents of other states were examined in detail before finally zeroing in on Pawan Hans.
