Minister’s copter ‘slides’ off helipad; probe ordered

State excise minister and senior NCP leader Ganesh Naik had a minor scare on Friday when his helicopter landed a few metres beyond the helipad and rolled onto a paddy field at Mokhada in Thane district.

State excise minister and senior NCP leader Ganesh Naik had a minor scare on Friday when his helicopter landed a few metres beyond the helipad and rolled onto a paddy field at Mokhada in Thane district.

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“The incident took place at around 11.45 am. Since the ground on the field was soft, the wheel sunk a few inches,” Naik's subordinate, who was present at the spot, told Hindustan Times. The minister promptly got off the helicopter and left. Unfazed by the scare, the minister attended NCP rallies in Mokhada, followed by ones at Dahanu and Bhiwandi.

Thane district collector AL Jarad has ordered an inquiry into Friday's incident. He, however, dismissed suggestions that the incident was serious. “The helipad is a new one and there was some mud stuck to the tyre after the helicopter landed. There were no problems as such. The minister attended several programs after the incident,” Jarad said.