Vijay Mallya's private jet creates ruckus in Chennai airport

Chennai, Feb 5: Chennai Port Trust officials have been facing problems over a private jet belongs to the chairman of UB Group, Vijay Mallya. After receiving a notice from traffic department, the port officials tried to contact with UB Gropup but failed to get any response from UB Group spokesperson.

The controversy started when a Hawker Siddeley HS-125 mid-size luxury corporate jet arrived at Chennai port in an open container vessel from UK. The jet has been kept at the port since last four months.

PC Parida, Chennai Port Trust deputy chairman said, "We sent three notices to the importer, UB Group of Vijay Mallya, but have not received any response."

However, while contacted, Mr Mallya informed about his unawareness about the whole issue and also said, "t may not be an operational aircraft. I will be able to gather details about the plane only by Monday (feb 6)."

Meanwhile, a port official has been quoted as saying, "Since there are no proper rules in India to make the importer responsible for imported items, it has become routine for many to abandon consignments after they reach the port. Here, in this case, the importer will have to pay demurrage charges, which now amounts to more than Rs 9 lakh, for violating the agreed time for occupying port berth."

Here it can be mentioned that many people gathered at Chennai port to see the eight-seater private jet which has been kept in a corner with its wings and engine parts dismantled.

OneIndia News