Boat tragedy: Centre turned down state's plea

I WONDER : Y IAF FOR LIFTING BODIES ?????

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Union Government turned down the request of the State Government for the service of Indian Air Force aircraft to airlift the bodies of those killed in the Thekkady boat mishap.

Sources in the Chief Minister’s office said that the Centre had demanded Rs 45 lakh for the use of Air Force aircraft.

The Defence Ministry said that even then the aircraft would be allowed only after eight hours, sources said.

Subsequently the State Government decided to transport the bodies in the aircraft of private airlines. Kingfisher Airlines charged only Rs four lakh per hour for the same task. Sources said that the Chief Minister had telephoned Defence Minister A K Antony four times in this regard.

Following his advice the Chief Minister’s office faxed the message to the Prime Minister’s Office.

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