Ex-MLA Ajay Rai booked for spreading rumors, Varanasi Airport Director takes legal action

Varanasi. Airport Authority of India (AAI) in Varanasi has taken legal action against former MLA Ajay Rai for allegedly spreading rumors and defaming the Airport Authority. The case was filed in Phulpur police station under non-custodial sections, and the AAI has demanded strict action from the police.

The incident began on February 13 when Rahul Gandhi, Honble Member of Parliament, was supposed to land in Varanasi from Wayanad and travel to Prayagraj by road. However, at the last moment, the plane did not land in Varanasi. Ajay Rai, in response, released a video on Twitter claiming that this was a conspiracy and accusing the Central and State Government as well as the Airport Authority.

The Airport Authority Director Aryama Sanyal explained that permission had been granted for Rahul Gandhi to visit Varanasi on February 13, and his plane was scheduled to land in Varanasi at 10:30 pm. However, the flight operator M/s AR Airways canceled the flight from Kannur to Varanasi in the night due to a change in the guest's plans. The Airport Authority was informed about this cancellation.

Rahul Gandhi's plane took off from Kannur for New Delhi at 8:54 pm, and the Airport Authority only received information about this from Kannur Air Traffic Control at 8:52 am the next day.

In response to Ajay Rai's video, the Airport Directorate stated that the allegations made by him were completely false and amounted to spreading rumors. Rai claimed that Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to land because of the President's visit, which is untrue and tarnishes the credibility of both the Airport Authority and the President.

The police station in-charge at Phulpur has registered a case under sections 505(2), 500, and 501 of the Indian Penal Code and has initiated necessary action in this regard.