TV channels flash news of Maharashtra CM’s ‘lucky chopper mishap escape’, CMO says it’s untrue

CM Devendra Fadnavis was in Raigad for a private function of MLC Jayant Patil (Peasants and Workers’ Party)

TV channels on Friday flashed news of how chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had a second lucky escape as his chopper suddenly took off while he was to board it at Alibaug in Raigad surfaced on Friday.

The chief minister’s office clarified the rumours are untrue. (File)

The chief minister’s office clarified they are untrue.

Incidentally, Fadnavis was in Raigad for a private function of MLC Jayant Patil (Peasants and Workers’ Party).

The CM was headed to Mumbai.

P Malikner, collector, in-charge, Raigad district, however, confirmed the helicopter took off before the chief minister could board it.

“As part of the standard procedure, the chopper had started and was kept ready to take off as soon as the chief minister boards it. However, before the CM could board, the helicopter took off for around 1-2ft and the CM had to back off to a safer place,” Malikner told HT.

“Later, when it settled down, the CM boarded it and left for Mumbai. He is safe and fine and there is nothing to worry about,” he said.

Fadnavis had a lucky escape on May 25, as his helicopter crash-landed soon after it took off from a helipad at Nilanga in Latur district of central Maharashtra.

Read: Watch: Maharashtra CM’s helicopter crash-lands, Devendra Fadnavis safe