Patna: The landing of a luxury charter jet at Patna airport has triggered political scrutiny after it was reported that a Bihar-cadre IAS officer and his family were passengers on board.
Airport staff initially assumed that the Dassault Falcon 2000 — a high-end business jet — was carrying a prominent politician or industrialist. But when the aircraft door opened, those present were surprised to see a senior bureaucrat disembark with family members after arriving from Delhi, according to eyewitness accounts.
The episode entered the Bihar assembly on Thursday when RJD MLA Rahul Sharma raised the matter during proceedings. Sharma asked whether the government had examined the circumstances of the officer’s travel, who had authorised the use of a chartered aircraft and who bore the cost.
The government did not immediately respond to the questions in the House.
The Falcon 2000 is widely regarded as a premium charter aircraft. Aviation industry estimates suggest that a return charter flight between Delhi and Patna could cost upwards of Rs 20 lakh. By contrast, commercial airlines operate multiple daily services between the two cities, with one-way fares often starting at around Rs 5,000.
The MLA also questioned whether the expenditure was proportionate to the officer’s declared assets. Public disclosures submitted by the officer reportedly show limited land holdings and modest assets, prompting further questions in the assembly about the source of funds for the charter.
No official clarification has yet been issued regarding whether the travel was privately financed, sponsored, or linked to official duty.
