Timely reaction by the police averted a major mishap to the helicopter in which Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and other officials were travelling from Theegalaguttapalli village on the outskirts of Karimnagar town to Anthargaon mandal in Peddapalli district on Tuesday.
Mild tension prevailed at the helipad when a bag placed in the helicopter started emitting smoke. A security person removed it and ran for about 100 metres distance to throw it away. The incident took place when the Chief Minister and other officials boarded the helicopter and were ready to take off.
The Chief Minister, who arrived in the town on Monday to participate in the farmers coordination committee meeting, camped at the Telangana Bhavan at Theegalaguttapalli village. On Tuesday morning, the Chief Minister along with other officials was to proceed to Anthargaon in Peddapalli district to participate in a ceremony to lay foundation stone for a lift irrigation scheme.
Police officials heaved a sigh of relief after the authorities successfully removed the bag, which is stated have contained a wireless set. Sources said that the battery of the wireless set developed snag due to overheating and short circuit and emitted smoke. Luckily, the incident took place when the copter was on the ground.
