Scam-tainted DGCA official removed

New Delhi: In a major move, scam-tainted aviation regulatory body, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has relieved RS Passi, a controversial joint director of air safety, from his duties. The action comes even as the DGCA lurches ahead, trying to quell fires that appear to be springing up all around.

Passi was joint director, air safety, at the Directorate of Air Safety, at the DGCA, in-charge of the northern region. He was the second senior-most officer in the department.

What is presumed to be disciplinary action was taken only after low fare operator Spicejet responded to an order from the Director General of Civil Aviation, EK Bharat Bhushan, asking it to file a report about the circumstances in which Passi's daughter, Garima Passi, was recruited by the airline.

In its report the carrier confirmed that Garima was confirmed as a pilot with SpiceJet under "extraordinary circumstances".

Passi is alleged to have helped his daughter Garima Passi to attain a fake pilot license and also securing her a job with low fare operator SpiceJet.

Bhushan, caught in media spotlight for widespread irregularities in his organisation has begun a crackdown within his organisation and on all areas of the aviation sector where the organisation's writ runs.