Bhubaneswar | 2025
A helicopter flight over Odisha’s eco-sensitive Bhitarkanika region—once registered as a police case—has returned to the spotlight in 2025, raising fresh questions about accountability, political influence, and the selective enforcement of environmental laws.
The incident dates back to 2018, when police allegedly registered a case over a helicopter linked to Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA), a company with which senior political leader Baijayant (Jay) Panda was frequently associated. According to police allegations at the time, the helicopter reportedly flew at a low altitude over a protected eco-sensitive zone, violating prescribed aviation and environmental norms.
The Allegations
Bhitarkanika, like Chilika, is a highly protected ecological zone with strict restrictions on aerial movement to safeguard wildlife and fragile ecosystems. Police records from the period indicate that the helicopter allegedly entered the restricted airspace and attempted an unauthorised operation, prompting authorities to act.
An FIR was lodged, the helicopter was reportedly seized, and the hangar where it was kept was sealed. The case was expected to move forward under aviation safety and environmental protection laws.
What Happened Next?
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the case gradually faded from public view. No clear outcome, prosecution update, or closure report ever reached the public domain, triggering questions that remain unanswered years later.
In 2025, environmental activists and political observers are asking:
Why did the Bhitarkanika helicopter case go silent?
Was due legal process followed to its logical conclusion?
Did political stature play a role in diluting scrutiny?
Baijayant Panda’s Stand
Baijayant Panda has consistently denied any wrongdoing in past helicopter-related controversies. He has maintained that flights undertaken were in accordance with Air Traffic Control (ATC) permissions and existing aviation rules, and that no notified no-fly violations were committed.
No court has convicted Panda in connection with the case.
Why It Matters Today
At a time when environmental protection is a major public concern, the resurfacing of this case has reignited debate on whether eco-laws apply equally to all, or whether power and influence can ground investigations before they reach their destination.
As Odisha continues to balance development, political power, and ecological preservation, the Bhitarkanika helicopter case stands as a reminder that unanswered questions do not disappear—they wait.
