3 hrs ago
Chhattisgarh Blacklists Oriental Insurance Over Helicopter Claim Dispute
A government helicopter in Chhattisgarh crashed in 2022, and both pilots died.
The state says it had insurance for the helicopter and paid the premium.
It says the insurance claim remained pending for more than four years before the insurer rejected it in August 2026.
The state then barred Oriental Insurance from government work for three years.
It says the delay was serious because the claim concerned public property.
Oriental Insurance says it handled the claim under the policy and relied on reports about the crash.
It says the delay was connected to when it received the investigation report and comments from the state aviation directorate.
The state says it can still pursue the claim through administrative and legal steps.
Chhattisgarh blacklisted Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL) for three years over its handling of a government helicopter insurance claim.
The claim followed the May 12, 2022 crash of a government-owned AgustaWestland helicopter at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur.
The crash killed senior pilot Captain Gopal Krishna Panda and DGCA examiner Captain A P Shrivastava.
The state said the premium was paid in full and the claim remained pending for more than four years before OICL rejected it in August 2026.
OICL said the decision was based on available reports and that delays were linked to the late AAIB report and the directorate’s response; the state says it will pursue further remedies.
- Who
- The Chhattisgarh government and Oriental Insurance Company Limited; two pilots died in the crash.
- What
- The state blacklisted OICL for three years over its handling and rejection of the helicopter insurance claim.
- Where
- Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
- When
- The crash occurred on May 12, 2022; the claim was rejected in August 2026 and the blacklisting was announced on a Wednesday.
- Why
- The state cited the claim’s long delay and its concern about public property; OICL says its decision followed policy terms and available reports.
Chhattisgarh government
Oriental Insurance Company Limited
Handling and timing of the claim
Chhattisgarh government
The state says the claim remained pending for more than four years after the premium was paid, and calls the delay a serious concern involving public property.
Oriental Insurance Company Limited
OICL says its claim decision followed the policy terms and available records, and that the reported delay was caused by late submission of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau report and the directorate’s late response to the surveyor.
Three-year blacklisting
Chhattisgarh government
The state says it gave OICL an opportunity to respond, reviewed its response and records, and issued a reasoned order to protect state interests.
Oriental Insurance Company Limited
OICL called the decision unjustified and said it could deprive the state of the services of a government-owned insurer and reduce competition in future tenders.
Key facts
- Insurer
- Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL)
- Blacklisting period
- Three years
- Aircraft
- Government-owned AgustaWestland helicopter
- Crash date and location
- May 12, 2022, at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur
- Fatalities
- Senior pilot Captain Gopal Krishna Panda and DGCA examiner Captain A P Shrivastava
- Claim decision
- Rejected by OICL in August 2026, after more than four years pending, according to the state
- State's process
- The Directorate of Aviation issued a show-cause notice and considered OICL's written response; one report also says there was a personal hearing.
- Further action
- The state said blacklisting does not end the insurance claim and it will pursue available administrative and legal remedies.
Quotes
Oriental Insurance Company Ltd
The insurer, responding to the blacklisting decision.
“This is a matter concerning public property. After the insurance premium had been paid, the time taken to settle the claim was a serious concern for the government. Service providers working with government institutions are expected to act in a timely and accountable manner.”
businesstoday.in
rediff.com
“The directorate's action is unjustified and the unfortunate decision will deprive the Chhattisgarh government of the services of the Government of India-owned Public Sector Insurer and also lead to reduced competition in upcoming government tenders in Chhattisgarh.”
businesstoday.in
Sources
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