(a) whether a cargo-aircraft had been flying between Delhi and Dubai illegally during the past several months;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) whether any inquiry has been conducted in this regard;
(d) if so, the outcome thereof; and
(e) the action taken against the persons found guilty as per findings of the inquiry?
THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN )
(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e): No cargo aircraft had been flying between Delhi and Dubai without valid permission. However, a case has come to the notice of the Delhi Police where Ministry of External Affairs had cleared cases `sponsored` by the Embassy of Kazakhstan for landing chartered cargo flights by `G.S.T.Aero` from Dubai during February and March, 2002. Investigations have revealed that the fax letter sent by the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Ministry of External Affairs was forged and manipulated by ground handling agent `Sam-Avia`. Embassy of Kazakhstan have informed that they did not send the letters based on which Ministry of External Affairs had reportedly issued authorisation to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to issue clearance. The matter is being investigated by Delhi Police.