1 week ago
CBI Books Former DGCA Director Over Alleged Aviation Corruption
India’s CBI has opened a corruption case involving former aviation regulator Capt.
Anil Gill.
He previously worked as the DGCA’s Director of Flying Training.
Investigators allege that he gave some flying schools faster or better treatment than others.
They also allege that companies connected to his relatives bought two aircraft at low prices.
The aircraft were then leased to one flying school, Redbird Aviation Academy, at rates that produced more than Rs 2.16 crore in rental income.
The CBI is also examining how quickly Redbird received approval and how Gill’s cousin obtained an aviation job.
These are allegations recorded in an FIR, and the investigation is continuing.
The CBI registered a corruption and criminal-conspiracy case against former DGCA Director of Flying Training Capt. Anil Gill.
The FIR alleges Gill favoured selected flying training organisations, disadvantaging competing operators through regulatory decisions.
Bluethroat Aero Global allegedly bought two Cessna aircraft cheaply and leased them to Redbird Aviation Academy.
The company allegedly earned more than Rs 2.16 crore in lease rentals from Redbird between 2021 and October 2023.
The probe also examines family-linked companies, Redbird’s approval process, Gill’s cousin’s appointment, and undisclosed financial relationships.
- Who
- The CBI named former DGCA Director of Flying Training Capt. Anil Gill, four aviation companies, his cousin Vikas Nain, and unidentified public servants and private individuals.
- What
- The CBI registered a case alleging corruption, criminal conspiracy, regulatory favouritism, family-linked aircraft leases, suspicious transactions, and improper disclosure of relatives’ aviation roles.
- Where
- The allegations concern the DGCA, its Anti-Corruption Branch in Delhi, and flying-training organisations and aviation companies in India.
- When
- A preliminary inquiry was registered on April 7, 2025, and the regular case was registered on August 21; the alleged lease income covered 2021 through October 2023.
- Why
- The FIR alleges that Gill abused his official position to favour selected flying schools and generate illicit financial advantages through related companies and aircraft transactions.
CBI allegations
Position of named parties
Regulatory treatment
CBI allegations
The FIR alleges that Gill extended undue official favours to selected FTOs, including faster approval for Redbird, while similarly placed competitors suffered financial loss or delay.
Position of named parties
No immediate response or alternative account from Gill or the named companies was reported; the allegations remain under investigation.
Aircraft leases and financial benefit
CBI allegations
The CBI alleges that aircraft were purchased cheaply through entities linked to Gill’s relatives and leased to Redbird at higher rates, generating alleged illicit financial advantages.
Position of named parties
The named parties’ response was not reported, and no court finding establishing the allegations was cited.
Family and employment links
CBI allegations
The FIR alleges that Gill’s relatives held roles in aviation companies, that he chaired the committee appointing his cousin Vikas Nain, and that required disclosures were not made.
Position of named parties
No denial or alternative explanation from Gill, Nain, or the companies was included in the reports.
Key facts
- Investigating agency
- Central Bureau of Investigation, including its Anti-Corruption Branch in Delhi
- Former official
- Capt. Anil Gill, former Director of Flying Training at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation
- Legal provisions
- Sections 11 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018, and Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code
- Aircraft purchases
- Bluethroat Aero Global allegedly acquired two Cessna aircraft for Rs 10 lakh and Rs 37.5 lakh
- Alleged lease income
- More than Rs 2.16 crore from Redbird Aviation Academy between 2021 and October 2023
- Approval timing
- Redbird allegedly received initial FTO approval in one month and three days, while competing entities reportedly took four to six months
- Appointment under scrutiny
- Gill chaired a September 2022 committee that appointed his cousin Vikas Nain as Deputy Chief Flying Instructor; Nain later received approximately Rs 6.5 lakh monthly from Redbird
- Other reported action
- One source reported that Gill was transferred to Aerosports on November 22, 2023, and later suspended following preliminary corruption investigations
Quotes
CBI officials
Officials familiar with the CBI investigation and FIR
“The CBI FIR names Capt. Anil Gill, Bluethroat Aero Global Pvt. Ltd., Redbird Aviation Academy Pvt. Ltd., Sabres Corporate Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Sandhills Aviation IFSC Pvt. Ltd., and other unknown public servants/private persons as accused.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
CBI Registers Case Against Former DGCA Director Anil Gill and Others in Corruption Case
Former DGCA senior officer booked by CBI in corruption case; agency probes aircraft leases, FTO approval
CBI books former DGCA official, 4 aviation firms in corruption case
CBI books former Director of Flying Training Capt Anil Gill on corruption charges
CBI Books Former DGCA Official, Aviation Firms
CBI books former DGCA flying training director, aviation firms for 'corruption', 'favouritism' - Telegraph India
CBI books ex-DGCA flying training director, aviation firms over 'corruption'
CBI books ex-DGCA senior official in corruption, criminal conspiracy case
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