CBI books former DGCA director, four aviation firms in connection with corruption case
PTC News Desk: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against Captain Anil Gill, former Director of Flying Training (DFT) in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and several other companies in connection with alleged corruption and criminal conspiracy.
According to a press release, the CBI registered a regular case on August 21 under Sections 11 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018, and Section 120B of the IPC.
The FIR said a preliminary enquiry was registered on April 7, 2025, after a complaint accused Capt. Anil Gill of misusing his official position while working as Director of Flying Training at the DGCA.
According to the FIR, Gill allegedly gave unfair official benefits to certain Flying Training Organisations (FTOs), causing financial losses to other operators.
The CBI alleged that Gill helped arrange the purchase of training aircraft at very low prices through companies allegedly controlled by his relatives. These aircraft were then reportedly leased to selected FTOs at higher rates, resulting in alleged illegal financial gains.
The FIR said Bluethroat Aero Global Pvt Ltd (BAGPL) was set up in 2016, with Gill’s mother and maternal aunt listed as directors. His cousin and sister-in-law later joined the company. Other companies, including Sabres Corporate Solutions Pvt Ltd and Sandhills Aviation IFSC Pvt Ltd, were also allegedly linked to Gill’s relatives.
According to the FIR, BAGPL bought two Cessna aircraft for ₹10 lakh and ₹37.5 lakh. The aircraft were later leased to Redbird Aviation Academy Pvt Ltd after approvals were allegedly given by Gill in his official capacity.
Between 2021 and October 2023, BAGPL reportedly earned more than ₹2.16 crore in lease payments from Redbird Aviation Academy.
The FIR also alleged that Redbird Aviation Academy received its initial FTO approval within one month and three days, while competing companies reportedly took four to six months to receive similar approvals.
In another allegation, the FIR said Gill headed a selection committee in September 2022 that appointed his cousin Vikas Nain as Deputy Chief Flying Instructor. Nain was later employed by Redbird Aviation Academy with a monthly salary of around ₹6.5 lakh.
- With inputs from agencies
