National

AAIB and Uttarakhand Government Initiate Investigations into Kedarnath Helicopter Crash; Pilots’ Licenses Suspended

Published

1 year ago

June 15, 2025

The recent crash of Aryan Aviation’s Bell 407 helicopter (VT-BKA) near Gaurikund, Uttarakhand, which tragically resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including the pilot and an infant, is set to be investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Additionally, the Uttarakhand government has established a high-level committee to conduct a concurrent inquiry.

The licenses of two pilots involved in separate helicopter flights have been suspended for operating in adverse weather conditions similar to those preceding the fatal accident.

This information was released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), which indicated that the precise cause of the crash will be identified following the AAIB’s investigation.

“Initial assessments suggest that the likely cause of the helicopter crash may be Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), as the aircraft was flying despite poor visibility and heavy cloud cover in the valley entry area. However, the definitive cause will be confirmed only after a comprehensive investigation conducted by the AAIB,” the PIB noted.

Moreover, two helicopters operated by Trans Bharat Aviation—VT-TBC, piloted by Capt. Yogesh Grewal (CPL(H)-1453), and VT-TBF, flown by Capt. Jitender Harjai (CPL(H)-1046)—were also found in flight under similarly perilous weather conditions. Both pilots have been suspended for a period of six months.

All seven individuals aboard the Aryan Aviation helicopter, which included the pilot, an infant, and five other passengers, tragically lost their lives in the crash. The helicopter was on a journey from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, having taken off at 5:19 AM and reportedly crashing between 5:30 and 5:45 AM.

Notably, this helicopter had earlier that morning transported the same passengers to Kedarnath, departing at 5:10 AM and arriving at the shrine at 5:18 AM. The back-to-back flights in challenging visibility conditions in Kedar Valley have sparked serious concerns regarding operational decision-making and risk assessment related to weather.

This incident marks the second significant helicopter crash in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand within the last 40 days, with three other helicopters also having had to make emergency landings during the same timeframe due to unforeseen technical issues. The bodies of the victims were recovered by joint search teams from the SDRF and NDRF later that afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has reiterated that aviation safety is paramount, urging operators to adhere strictly to weather-related and safety protocols. The Ministry has issued firm directives to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to enforce all existing regulations rigorously, emphasizing that strict discipline in flight operations is essential to protect human life.

National

11 Hospitalised After Dead Lizard Found in Birthday Cake

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Maharashtra : Eleven people were hospitalised after eating a birthday cake that allegedly contained a dead lizard in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.

The incident took place during a birthday celebration. The affected group included seven children and four women.

According to reports, they complained of sudden stomach and chest pain shortly after eating the cake.

They were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Doctors said that all 11 patients are in stable condition.

The incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in bakeries.

The case comes amid growing concerns over food safety in Maharashtra. Earlier, a rat was allegedly seen inside an ice cream freezer at a Blinkit store in Thane’s Godrej Hill area in Kalyan.

In another incident, food safety officials suspended the FSSAI licence of a Blinkit-linked facility in Malad West after finding several violations.

The recent incidents have increased calls for stricter checks on food storage, hygiene and safety standards across the state.

National

Dead Russell’s Viper Found on Vande Bharat Express

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Ernakulam: A dead Russell’s viper was found on a passenger seat inside a Vande Bharat Express in Ernakulam, causing panic among passengers.

The incident took place on Friday, August 14, at around 2.30 pm. The train was scheduled to leave Ernakulam Junction for Bengaluru.

The incident came to light before the train began its journey. Vinu Varghese, who works for an insurance company in Ernakulam, had booked a ticket to travel to Coimbatore with his two-year-old child.

When he returned to his seat after visiting the restroom, he noticed the dead snake lying on the seat. He was shocked and immediately informed the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and railway staff.

The railway staff quickly responded to the situation. With the help of passengers, they removed the dead snake from the coach.

After the snake was removed, the passengers felt relieved. Vinu Varghese later filed an official complaint through the railway portal.

In his complaint, he questioned the safety and cleanliness standards on the train. He said passengers pay a significant amount for travelling on Vande Bharat trains and expected better safety measures.

Varghese said the railway staff later apologised for the incident.

The incident has also raised questions about how a snake entered the passenger compartment. Vande Bharat trains are air-conditioned and have sealed gangways and automatic doors that open only at designated stations.

The incident has raised concerns about pest control and safety protocols on the train. Railway authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.

This is not the first reported incident involving a snake on a Vande Bharat train. In December 2025, a passenger was allegedly accused of deliberately placing a snake inside the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.

The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.

According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.

Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.

Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.

During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.

Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.

The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.

The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.