Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have lodged an FIR against the CEO and pilot of an aviation company after a delay in a planned flower shower disrupted rituals at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh during Paush Purnima. The Yogi Adityanath government, which has been lauded for its extensive arrangements for the religious gathering, took swift action following the incident.
The complaint, filed by KP Ramesh, Operational Manager of the Uttar Pradesh Civil Aviation Department, accuses M.A. Heritage Aviation Private Limited of operational lapses. The helicopter, tasked with showering flowers over devotees from the morning of Paush Purnima, was allegedly sent to Ayodhya without prior notification. This caused a significant delay in the ritual, with flowers being showered only by 4:00 PM after another helicopter was arranged.
An FIR has been registered at the Mahakumbh Nagar Police Station against the company’s CEO Rohit Mathur, pilot Captain Puneet Khanna, and an unnamed operations manager. Authorities have invoked “serious sections” under the law, though the specific charges have not been detailed.
The Mahakumbh, a once-in-144-year event, began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26. Devotees had gathered in large numbers for the first royal bath on Makar Sankranti, and the next major event is scheduled for Mauni Amavasya on January 29.
