-KATHMANDU
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has scrutinize 7 more helicopter companies as being suspected of being involved in the fake rescue racket and defrauding tourists in collusion with various hospitals.
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) had previously conducted an investigation on travel and trekking companies, hospitals, and rescue organizations that were scamming tourists of large amounts of money in the name of rescues.
A 6-member committee was formed which included the Joint Secretary of the ministry, Ghanashyam Upadhyaya. The committee submitted a 700-page report which implicated 15 different organizations including 3 helicopter companies.
The original report recommended further investigation into Air Dynasty, Manang Air, and Heli Everest saying that these companies charge high price for flights from tourists. CAAN has now started a new investigation which includes Summit Helicopter, Prabhu Helicopter, Kailash Helicopter, Shree Airlines, Simrik Air, Altitude Air, and Mountain Helicopter.
CAAN is conducting further investigation on 7 helicopter companies based on the report, informed committee member and Deputy Director Subash Jha. Another member said that the report missed out on a few companies that might have been involved in the racket, including some which have been charging high prices even for normal flights.
