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Journalism of Courage
The Indian Airlines steward, who allegedly took photographs of Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandhi on a flight to Lakshadweep, has been sacked after an inquiry.
Photographs taken by the steward were later printed in Kerala’s local dailies. Leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi had objected to the incident and brought it to Civil Aviation Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy’s notice through a letter, which was reported by The Indian Express on January 22, complaining of a lapse in security and breach of privacy.
During the in-house inquiry that followed, steward P.V.P. Mohammed Basheer admitted to having taken one complete roll of photographs of Priyanka and Rahul.
Flight commander Ashok Chaudhary has also been issued a showcause notice. According to IA officials, photography during the flight is not permitted by the DGCA and Basheer’s act violates company rules on protecting the privacy of passengers.
Priyanka, her husband Robert Vadra, their two children and Rahul, with his Colombian girlfriend, were on their way to Agatti Islands for New Year celebrations. They had boarded the 18-seat Dornier aircraft, operated by erstwhile Vayudoot employees, from Kochi on December 30.
