Social activist K.M. Shajahan had approached the Kerala Lok Ayukta alleging that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had received an undue pecuniary benefit from the aircraft service operator at a time when a proposal concerning the continuation of the company’s helicopter services was under consideration by the government.
The State government on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) informed the Kerala Lok Ayukta that it will not renew its helicopter service contract with aviation services company, Chipsan Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar conveyed the government’s position while the anti-corruption body was hearing a petition related to the controversial chartered flight travel by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. This is the first time that the government has formally stated its position in writing on the helicopter contract.
‘Pecuniary benefit’
The issue came under scrutiny after the controversy over Mr. Satheesan’s chartered flight trip to Malappuram. Social activist K.M. Shajahan had approached the Lok Ayukta alleging that the Chief Minister had received an undue pecuniary benefit from the aircraft service operator at a time when a proposal concerning the continuation of the company’s helicopter services was under consideration by the government. The complaint alleged corruption and abuse of official position in connection with the arrangement.
The government, however, rejected the allegation of corruption and maintained that the Chief Minister’s visit to Malappuram was not for any personal purpose. According to the government’s submission, the Chief Minister travelled in connection with coordinating disaster-management activities.
Under the expired agreement, the company had provided helicopter services to the State government for a monthly charge of around ₹80 lakh. The three-year agreement expired on September 19, 2026 after which the company submitted a fresh proposal to provide helicopter services on a pay-per-use basis.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing to November 3, 2026.
Published – October 06, 2026 09:09 pm IST
