Thiruvananthapuram: State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar has filed an affidavit before the Lokayukta in connection with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's controversial chartered flight journey. While stating that no corruption took place and that the government neither gained nor suffered any financial loss, the DGP has submitted an affidavit that contradicts the Chief Minister's earlier claims.

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DGP Ravada Chandrasekhar has stated that Chipsan Aviation provided the chartered aircraft at the government's request for the Chief Minister's emergency journey to Nilambur during the floods.

The police chief submitted these details in response to a complaint filed by public activist K M Shajahan. The DGP described the complainant's allegations as fabricated and urged the Lokayukta to dismiss the complaint.

No mention of sponsor or payment in affidavit

The Chief Minister had earlier claimed at a press conference that a sponsor had borne the entire cost of the journey. He had also said that not a single rupee had been spent from the government treasury.

However, the affidavit submitted before the Lokayukta makes no mention of who the sponsor was. It states that Chipsan Aviation provided the chartered aircraft at the government's request. But it does not say who paid for the service or provide any details about the payment.
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Dispute over Chipsan's helicopter contract

Earlier, the government had hired Chipsan's helicopter under an agreement that involved a fixed monthly rental. The UDF government had proposed replacing this arrangement with a system under which payment would be made based on actual usage.

However, as the contract period was nearing its end, the company submitted a proposal to renew the agreement under revised conditions, including an hourly payment system. The complaint alleges that accepting the company's free service while the file seeking renewal of the contract was pending before the Chief Minister amounted to corruption.

DGP says government did not extend contract

Under the previous agreement, there was a provision to extend Chipsan's contract by another two years. However, the government did not exercise this option.

The DGP informed the Lokayukta that the contract expired in September and that the government had not decided to consider the company again after its expiry.
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Affidavit backs CM on corruption allegations but leaves questions

The DGP has supported the Chief Minister by maintaining that there was no corruption or attempt to provide Chipsan with undue benefits through a contract renewal.

However, the affidavit does not say that the Chief Minister's claim about a sponsor arranging the journey was false. Nor does it identify Chipsan Aviation as the sponsor. This aspect of the affidavit remains at variance with the government's earlier explanation.