Minister’s Chopper Lands In Car Parking Area, Triggers Panic

Mumbai: Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal was at the center of a bizarre incident that triggered panic on Saturday after his helicopter accidentally landed in a parking lot instead of a designated helipad in Pune’s Purandar area. The incident took place on Saturday morning during Mr. Bhujbal’s visit to attend Mahatma Phule Jayanti celebrations.

According to officials, the pilot misjudged the landing area, mistaking an open area in the parking area for a helipad located approximately 1.3 km away. Police teams immediately intervened in the incident and directed the helicopter to the correct landing area. No injuries or damage were reported.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an investigation into the incident. “I don’t have the full details yet, but there will be a thorough investigation,” he said.

Officials stated that a suitable helipad had been prepared for VVIP arrivals, but the pilot was reportedly unable to detect it. Speaking after the incident, Mr Bhujbal said there was no cause for concern. “There was no accident, we all got out safely. Since the helipad was not visible, the helicopter landed in the parking area,” he said.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural) Ganesh Biradar confirmed that confusion led the pilot to land in an area about 1,300 meters away from the designated helipad.

Reacting to the episode, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar raised concerns about security protocols, questioning how a helicopter could land in the car parking area. He stressed that the incident marked a mistake on the part of the pilot, especially considering Mr Bhujbal’s status as a senior minister. “Ajit Pawar lost his life due to the wrong decision of the pilot. The incident raises safety concerns of high-profile people,” he said.