Ravi Rishi's chopper firm challenges permit suspension

New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) Global Vectra Helicorp, the aviation arm of the Ravi Rishi-led Vectra Group which operates a fleet of helicopters, Tuesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging the civil aviation regulator's decision to suspended the company's operations permit.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Monday scraped the firm's permit after the home ministry raised security concerns.

The matter will come up for hearing Wednesday before Justice Vipin Sanghi.

The permit suspension came as the government had cancelled the security clearance of the company.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing the alleged role of the London-based Vectra Group chairman Ravi Rishi in connection with the multi-crore-rupee Tatra deal and the bribery allegations made by the army chief.

"We will also cancel the airport passes given to the employees of the company. We have told Pawan Hans (helicopter company) to fill in the supply gap," Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh told reporters outside parliament on Friday.

The company refused to confirm the government decision.

With a fleet of 23 choppers, the company operates onshore and offshore operations for oil companies and also caters to tourist travels in northeast India.

The company operates to major shrines like Vaishno Devi and during the Amarnath Yatra.

Vectra Group of companies is engaged in aviation, heavy engineering, real estate, information and technology and security systems.

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