More than 12 years after its last flight, the Antonov An-26 aircraft used in the Purulia armsdrop case, will finally go under the hammer. Calcutta high court on Wednesday directed the West Bengal government to take possession of the aircraft and sell it off within six weeks.
The aircraft is currently parked in a bay at Mumbai’s Sahar International Airport. Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd had moved an application before the court, seeking removal of the aircraft from the airport’s operational area.
Its presence was hampering plans to modernize the airport, it was submitted. The aircraft shot into notoriety on December 17, 1995, after touching down at Mumbai and the authorities revealed that it had been used to drop a consignment of sophisticated arms in West Bengal’s Purulia district.
While international arms dealer Kim Davy made good his escape, the Latvian crew and British citizen Peter Bleach were arrested from the plane. The matter was investigated by the West Bengal CID and subsequently by the CBI.
On February 2, 2000, a sessions court in Kolkata had ordered the West Bengal government to confiscate the aircraft.
The Times of India 17th April 2008 P. 11 New Delhi
With thanks from The Time of India
©All rights reserved with the Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd
For any query:- legalpoint@aol.in
The Times of India 17th April 2008 P. 11 New Delhi
With thanks from The Time of India
©All rights reserved with the Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd
For any query:- legalpoint@aol.in
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