No Trace Of 'Chinook' Worth Rs 45 Lakh With Lucknow Municipal Authorities, Was Part Of Defence Expo 2020

A Chinook combat helicopter replica, made by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and prominently displayed at the 2020 Defence Expo in Vrindavan Yojana area in Lucknow, has mysteriously disappeared.

Despite its imposing presence, municipal authorities, who were responsible for its upkeep, have no idea where the aircraft went.

Originally showcased at the Defence expo, the Chinook replica, crafted meticulously from scrap materials, was a crowd favourite, with many visitors capturing selfies beside it.

Post-expo, the helicopter remained stationed on a robust iron platform. The responsibility of its maintenance was with the Lucknow Municipal Corporation.

In February 2023, preparations for the G-20 Summit at the same venue prompted the Municipal Corporation to remove the helicopter replica, citing concerns over a weakened support pillar and the expected VIP movement.

However, following its removal, the helicopter replica vanished without a trace.

A written complaint regarding the missing helicopter was lodged in April 2023 with Kalyan Banerjee, the Joint Secretary of the Urban Development Department.

This prompted an inquiry by Kalyan, who questioned the Lucknow Municipal Corporation officials about the helicopter replica's fate.

In a written statement at that time, Rajesh Jha, the zonal sanitary officer of Zone-8, claimed the helicopter had been sent to the corporation's Rubbish and Removable (RR) workshop in Gomti Nagar for repairs.

However, the RR workshop Chief Manoj Prabhat denied any record of the helicopter ever being received or listed at the workshop, Navbharat Times reported.

According to the report, the helicopter replica weighed 65 quintals (6,500 kg) and its cost was Rs 45 lakh.