Bihar News: A luxury charter plane landed at Patna Airport a few days ago. Airport staff assumed that a prominent industrialist or politician had arrived, but as the plane’s door opened, the picture was different. An IAS officer and his family exited the plane. Whispers began among airport staff. Many watched this unusual sight with surprise.
According to eyewitnesses, the charter was a Dassault Falcon 2000. This aircraft is typically used by high-profile businessmen or VVIPs. Curiosity piqued, airport staff began gathering information.
Who Were The Passengers?
It was discovered that the passenger was a senior IAS officer posted in Bihar. He returned to Patna from Delhi with his family. The matter subsequently became a topic of discussion in administrative circles as well as political fraternity.
Issue Raised In The Bihar Assembly
The issue resonated in the Assembly on Thursday. RJD MLA Rahul Sharma directly questioned the government, asking who authorised the charter plane travel and from which source the travel expenses were borne.
Has any investigation been conducted into this matter? However, the government did not provide a clear answer.
A Journey Worth Rs 20 Lakh
The cost of a round-trip Delhi-Patna trip on a Dassault Falcon 2000 is reported to be around Rs 20 lakh. However, the same journey can be done by a regular flight for a few thousand rupees. This huge expense for a family of four has sparked debate.
According to sources, this was a purely private trip. Consequently, the source of the expense has become a major question. The opposition is calling it a “bureaucratic luxury.”
The cost of a single trip by charter plane from Delhi to Patna depends on the type of aircraft, availability, and service facilities. According to aviation experts, a one-way flight on a mid-size luxury jet like a Dassault Falcon 2000 or a similar aircraft can cost approximately Rs 18 to Rs 25 lakh. This includes airfare, crew charges, airport fees, and fuel costs.
What Determines The Total Cost?
The cost of a charter flight also depends on the duration of the flight and whether it is scheduled to return the same day. If the plane has to make a layover, parking and additional crew expenses are also added. In comparison, the same journey on a commercial flight costs a few thousand rupees per person, while a charter flight is considered a purely private and expensive option.
Debate On Declared Assets And Financial Background
According to reports, the official’s declared assets are limited, and do not match his luxury travel on a private plane. Government records indicate that he owns only a small amount of land. His family background is also described as very modest. So, how was the charter plane expense covered? Was it personal money or paid for by someone else? Answers to these questions remain undisclosed.
Political Attack On ‘Officer Raj’
The opposition has termed it as “Officer Raj of Bihar.” They allege that officers are evading accountability. The government is silent even after the issue was raised in the assembly. The government has neither announced an investigation nor issued an explanation on the matter.
