A private helicopter tourism operator has accused a sitting VCK legislator of harassment and extortion, prompting the company to approach Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M Appavu with a formal complaint seeking action.
Aero Don, a tourism helicopter company operating joy rides from Kovalam near Chennai, said its CEO Nisha submitted a petition at the State Secretariat alleging that Thiruporur VCK MLA SS Balaji had repeatedly threatened the company and demanded money, despite the service having obtained all statutory approvals. The company said the helicopter service was inaugurated by MSME Minister Tha Mo Anbarasan after securing clearances from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the district administration.
Speaking to the media, Nisha said the helipad and operations were established strictly in accordance with DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation norms, including mandatory intimations to the district collector and local authorities. She alleged that despite full compliance, the MLA had been “continuously creating problems” for the company and pressuring it for payments.
According to Nisha, the harassment escalated after the company refused to pay a bribe. She stated that the MLA made remarks suggesting that a private company was unfairly profiting and subsequently used his influence to create obstacles. The company further alleged that during the Pongal festival last year, the helicopter operations were sealed after the MLA complained to the district administration. Aero Don said it remained shut for nearly a year and resumed operations only after restarting the entire approval process from scratch and obtaining fresh clearances from the DGCA and the district collector.
Nisha also alleged that local disturbances were orchestrated, outsiders were brought in, and the company premises were locked without prior notice. She said these events forced the company to directly approach the Assembly Speaker, who, according to her, assured that the matter would be looked into. The company has sought disqualification proceedings against the MLA, citing alleged abuse of power and repeated intimidation.
Responding to the allegations, MLA S.S. Balaji denied wrongdoing and claimed his concerns were rooted in public safety. He said residents in his constituency were afraid of the helicopter operations and questioned whether the pilot held a valid licence, when the helicopter was manufactured, and whether proper safety certifications had been disclosed. The MLA said raising such questions in the interest of public safety was being misrepresented as harassment with political motives.
Balaji further stated that while tourism activities were welcome, authorities must ensure that all safety norms were strictly verified before permitting helicopter joy rides, especially in residential and coastal areas.
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