Keralam Lok Ayuktha seeks files of helicopter rental deal and travel of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan

On September 30, 2026, the Keralam Lok Ayuktha, a body responsible for investigating corruption in the state of Kerala, India, requested details related to a helicopter rental deal and the travel arrangements of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. The Lok Ayuktha's inquiry was initiated following a petition filed by social activist K.M.

Shajahan, who alleged that the Chief Minister abused his official position, committed nepotism, and engaged in maladministration by using a helicopter from Chipsan Aviation Private Limited during a time when a pay-per-use proposal was pending with the government.

The petition alleged that the Chief Minister utilized the helicopter while a proposal from the same company to provide a helicopter on a pay-per-use basis was under consideration. This prompted the Lok Ayuktha to seek information about any existing applications, proposals, or files related to the rental of helicopters from the company or other entities.

If such pending applications or proposals existed, the Lok Ayuktha requested to know whether the State Cabinet or the Minister concerned held the authority to make decisions on these matters, as well as the relevant provisions of the Rules of Business or other orders governing such authority.

Additionally, the Lok Ayuktha sought clarification on whether the purpose of the Chief Minister's travel was private or public, the circumstances in which the helicopter was offered and accepted, and the specific disaster management activity undertaken by the State government on the day in question. The relevant documents were to be provided to the Lok Ayuktha, along with a statement detailing the purpose of the visit.

The Lok Ayuktha noted that a prima facie case had not yet been established, and a preliminary inquiry and admission decision were scheduled for November 3, 2026.