Was refused entry citing transfer order: AAI whistle-blower

A day after this newspaper reported alleged irregularities in the transfer of whistle-blower and DGM, aviation safety, western region, Airport Authority of India (AAI), S. Mangala, she wasn’t allowed to enter the AAI building at Sahar on Wednesday, citing her order of transfer to Kolkata.

Ms Mangala alleged that the regional executive director office asked Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to scrap her entry pass and she wasn’t even informed. Not one to cower down, she waited at the entry gate and refused to leave till a proper reason was furnished for harassment of a senior officer like her. Ms Mangala had raised her voice against giving a no objection certificate to illegal constructions in the airport vicinity. She was transferred to Kolkata last month.

Recalling the experience, she said that after reaching office at the regular time, security guards told her not to enter as they had received a letter from BCAS directing them not to allow her to enter. “I told them to give me a photocopy of the letter and waited till 2.30 pm but received nothing,” she claimed. “I am now going to knock on the doors of the court against this incident. I fear that they will destroy all the important documents I have in my custody to expose the malpractice,” she said.

AAI chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra however refused to comment on the incident and said, “I’m not aware of who came or who was barred”.