Russian experts may visit Coonoor chopper crash site

The Russian manufacturer of the ill-fated IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter is likely to send experts to the spot where it crashed near Nanjappachathiram in Kattery near Coonoor in the Nilgiris on December 8, killing the chief of defence staff general Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 12 others.
Sources close to the investigation team into the crash, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not set a time-frame for the arrival of experts from Rosoboronexport, which makes the military transport choppers.
The accident spot, located in forest land, has been cordoned off for 10 days so far. The wreckage of the chopper is still there.
Only a few samples were collected for verification, other than the black box that was retrieved a week ago.
The authorities are grappling with the problem of removing the wreckage as there is no road to the spot, which is a gorge.
"The main body of the chopper would weigh more than two tonnes. Till it is retrieved, the location will be under surveillance of the army and police", the sources said.
At least six houses located close to the crash site have been cordoned off.
Only two houses were occupied and the residents have been told to shift to their relatives homes till the wreckage is removed.
At least 30 army personnel have been deputed for security at the site, besides police personnel.
According to villagers, the crash site was adjacent to a footpath where MGNREGA workers used to gather for tea around noon. "Luckily, on that particular day there was no work allotted to them", said the villagers.
According to sources, police have written a letter to the IAF requesting them to share their findings so that they would be able to come out with a complete finding report. A case was filed with the Upper Coonoor police station in connection with the crash.
Residents of Nanjappachathiram are still in shock. Krishnasamy, who was doing some plumbing work nearby, was the first to alert the police.
He has been told by the police and the army not to talk to the media. Nanjappachathiram village comprising around 50 houses has encroached on forest land and the residents are yet to get patta for their houses.