Why Bangkok flight carrying ex-Maharashtra minister's son was recalled mid-air
What's the story
A chartered flight headed to Bangkok from Pune was asked to return mid-air on Monday. On board was Rushiraj Sawant, son of former Maharashtra Minister and Shiv Sena MLC Tanaji Sawant.
The flight was diverted at the intervention of Tanaji after the Pune police received an anonymous tip-off about a possible kidnapping of Rushiraj.
When the order was given, the flight had crossed Port Blair.
Although, initially doubtful of the information's authenticity, pilots complied after verification from aviation authorities.
Investigation unfolds
Kidnapping case registered following anonymous tip
The situation was aggravated because hours before the kidnapping call, Tanaji had complained to police that his son was missing as they couldn't reach him.
But it so happened that Rushiraj had left for Bangkok with two friends without informing his family.
"When we received the first call (from family members) asking us to turn around...we did not believe it. We cannot believe these kinds of calls as they could be hoaxes," an executive from the airline operator said.
Uninformed return
Passengers unaware of diversion until landing in Pune
"But after due verification from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and knowing it pertained to a kidnapping case being probed by police, the decision to turn around the flight was taken and it returned to Pune," he added.
On landing, Rushiraj and his two friends were surprised and questioned the pilots about the unexpected change in destination. The pilots explained they were merely following instructions from aviation authorities and police.
Emergency cases
Such things happen only in emergency cases
The executive stated that the three passengers on board were not told of the change of location to avoid any disruptions or arguments.
"The screen in front of the passengers showing maps and navigation was already switched off, and they had no inkling their plane was returning to Pune without their knowledge. They were relaxing after having food," he said.
The executive stated that such things happen only in case of emergency, such as medical or technical.