UP govt sanctioned Rs 14 lakh for chopper from which top cops showered petals on kanwariyas

The Uttar Pradesh Home department in a government order issued on August 5 sanctioned Rs 14,21,163 for hiring helicopters from Messers Air Charter Private Limited for aerial surveillance of the Basti-Gorakhpur route and Meerut zone during the ongoing kanwar yatra. Incidentally, footage showing top police officials showering rose petals on kanwariyas from the chopper has triggered a major controversy. In a letter to the additional director general, police headquarter, Allahabad, special secretary to the state government Abhisek Prasad said the helicopter has been hired for two days — August 8 and 9 — for aerial surveillance of the pilgrimage. “The governor has given his approval to the proposal on the condition that money will be utilised according to financial rules and orders of the state government. The unutilised fund will be deposited in the state government treasury. If any misuse is detected, the police headquarter will be held responsible,” he said. Source: Hindustan Times