CBI arrests DGCA Deputy Director for taking Rs 2.5 lakh bribe for aircraft certificate

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Deputy Director of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) posted in Chennai for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh in return for issuing an airworthiness certificate to aircraft operated by a private company, officials said on Sunday.

The agency also arrested Sachin Keshav Bhane, Director of Ekvi Air Training Organisation Pvt Ltd, for allegedly paying the bribe to DGCA Deputy Director (Airworthiness) Sushil Kumar Garg. The arrests followed the registration of a case against Garg, Bhane, the company and others over the alleged demand and acceptance of illegal gratification.

Bribe for certification

According to officials, Garg had allegedly demanded Rs 2.5 lakh for issuing airworthiness certification in favour of aircraft operated by Ekvi Air Training Organisation. The CBI received information about the alleged demand and subsequently registered an FIR before conducting a raid.

Officials said Garg allegedly accepted the Rs 2.5 lakh payment, following which the CBI arrested both him and Bhane. The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation and have not yet been adjudicated by a court.

Company director arrested

The CBI has named Bhane for allegedly paying the illegal gratification sought by the DGCA official. Ekvi Air Training Organisation Pvt Ltd itself, along with other unidentified persons, has also been named in the case.

Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the certification process, including communications between the accused and whether the alleged payment was linked to any pending inspection, approval or other regulatory requirement concerning the aircraft.

The agency is also likely to scrutinise relevant records to determine whether any other officials or private individuals were involved in the alleged transaction.

Why airworthiness matters

An airworthiness certificate is a critical regulatory document establishing that an aircraft meets prescribed safety and operational standards. The DGCA oversees civil aviation safety and regulatory compliance in India, including requirements governing aircraft registration, maintenance and airworthiness.

Aircraft operators are required to comply with applicable technical and maintenance standards before aircraft can be considered fit for operation. Any alleged attempt to influence such regulatory certification through illegal payments consequently raises concerns beyond corruption, given the safety function performed by the certification system.

There is, however, no indication at this stage that the aircraft involved were technically unsafe or that an airworthiness certificate was issued despite failure to meet prescribed standards. The CBI case, as presently reported, concerns the alleged demand and payment of a bribe in connection with the certification.

Transit remand planned

The CBI is expected to approach a competent court seeking transit remand of Garg so that he can be brought to New Delhi for further questioning.

Investigators are expected to question the accused over the alleged payment and examine documentary and electronic evidence connected with the case. The agency may also look into the certification records relating to the aircraft concerned as the investigation progresses.

Further action will depend on evidence gathered during the investigation and questioning of the arrested accused.