Photographs of Priyanka Gandhi and brother Rahul, apparently taken onboard a flight from Kochi to Lakshadweep by an Indian Airlines steward, found their way into sections of the local media in Kerala and Maharashtra. And have prompted Leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi to send an angry letter to Civil Aviation Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy. It’s learnt that Priyanka, her husband Robert Vadra, their two children and Rahul Gandhi, who was accompanied by friend Juanita, boarded Indian Airlines flight IC 1502 on December 30 from Kochi for Agatti Islands in Lakshadweep. In her letter dated January 9, Sonia has alleged that the flight steward had clicked photographs of her family members which were later published in some dailies. Besides being an infringement of their privacy, Sonia has noted that the incident also ‘‘compromises the security’’ of her family members. In bringing the matter to the notice of the Civil Aviation Minister, she has voiced fears that photographs may have been distributed in lieu of some ‘‘commercial gain.’’ The Civil Aviation Ministry has asked Indian Airlines to conduct an inquiry and in case the allegations were established, ensure severe action against the staff concerned. It’s learnt that Flight IC 1502 is an 18-seater Dornier which belongs to the erstwhile Vayudoot fleet. This is now being operated by Indian Airlines through a separate wing called the Short Haul Operations Department. Unlike regular Indian Airlines employees, these personnel are employed on a contractual basis. This particular flight, sources said, had 14 passengers on board which includes Priyanka’s infant child. There were only three crew members: pilot, co-pilot and a steward. During preliminary inquiries, sources said, the crew have apparently denied having either taken the pictures or seen anyone taking the pictures. However, Indian Airlines has ordered a high-level inquiry under its Deputy Managing Director T S Chandrashekhar. ‘‘Besides the fact that photography is prohibited inside the flight, there can be no violation of passenger’s privacy by any employee of Indian Airlines. An inquiry has been ordered under a senior officer who will submit his report within a week. Strictest possible action will be taken on the basis of the investigation report,’’ an Indian Airlines spokesperson told The Indian Express. Priyanka, her family and Rahul were on their way to Agatti Islands after a vacation in Kerala. And IC 1502, official sources added, was an additional flight operated that day due to heavy rush on the sector.
