Daijiworld Media Network - Pune

Pune, Apr 11: Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal had a narrow escape on Saturday after the helicopter he was travelling in mistakenly landed in a vehicle parking area instead of the designated helipad in Pune district.

The incident occurred when Bhujbal arrived in Parandar taluka’s Khanwadi village to attend an event. Officials said both the minister and the pilot were safe and no injuries were reported.

According to reports, the pilot initially mistook an open space within the parking zone for the designated landing area and proceeded to land there. Strong dust stirred up by the helicopter’s rotors is also believed to have reduced visibility, leading to the confusion.

A video of the incident showed the helicopter touching down on an empty portion near the helipad before the error was identified. Police later informed the pilot, after which the aircraft was moved to the correct landing spot.

In a separate incident last week, security concerns were raised after a drone was spotted near the helicopter of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during an election event in Malda district.

Officials said three persons were arrested in connection with the incident, and they are being questioned on whether permissions were obtained to fly the drone in a restricted area.

Authorities added that the matter is being taken seriously due to security implications, and further investigation is underway.