A dummy model of a Chinook helicopter prepared by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for display at the 2020 Defense Expo was reported to have been stolen. The exhibition was held in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. The replica became a popular spot during the expo, with people flocking to take selfies with the life-sized structure. After the exhibition ended, the replica was left there and the local government was entrusted with its maintenance.
But last year, the replica mysteriously disappeared. It is not yet clear who took the replica and when.
According to media reports, the structure was demolished after Lucknow was chosen to host the G20 event.
The municipal corporation expressed concerns about the helicopter’s structural integrity and decided to scrap it. Later, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation claimed that the replica was sent to a “garbage and demountable” workshop in Gomti Nagar for repairs.
However, the helicopter also could not be recovered from the work site.
In April last year, a formal complaint was lodged with Kalyan Banerjee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development.
The police and authorities are currently investigating this shocking incident.
The replica was made from scrap wood and was worth 4.5 million rupees.
(Information provided by agency)
