New Delhi, October 6, 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation is probing an alleged bribery racket involving a senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation official accused of demanding ₹50,000 per aircraft audit from a private flight-training organisation in exchange for favourable airworthiness clearances. The CBI has arrested DGCA Deputy Director (Airworthiness) Sushil Kumar Garg and Ekvi Air Training Organisation director Sachin Keshav Bhane in connection with the case.
₹50,000 Allegedly Charged for Each Audit
According to the CBI case, Garg allegedly demanded ₹50,000 for every audit conducted for aircraft operated by the training company.
Investigators allege the payments were made in exchange for extending undue favours during the aircraft airworthiness certification process.
₹2.5 Lakh Allegedly Handed Over in a Packet
The probe alleges that bribe payments were collected in packets.
In one instance, a packet containing ₹2.5 lakh was allegedly handed over to the DGCA officer, prompting the CBI to act on specific information and initiate its operation.
DGCA Officer and Company Director Arrested
The CBI arrested Sushil Kumar Garg, who was serving as Deputy Director (Airworthiness) at DGCA’s Chennai office.
Sachin Keshav Bhane, director of Salem-based Ekvi Air Training Organisation Pvt Ltd, was also taken into custody.
Airworthiness Certification at Centre of Case
Airworthiness certification is a critical aviation-safety process used to ensure that an aircraft complies with prescribed technical and operational standards before it is cleared for flight.
The CBI alleges that undue favours were extended during this regulatory process, raising concerns over whether prescribed safety checks were properly followed.
Private Flight-Training Firm Also Named
The agency has registered the case against Garg, Bhane, Ekvi Air Training Organisation Pvt Ltd and other unidentified individuals.
The company operates aircraft used to train candidates pursuing commercial pilot licences.
CBI Examining Wider Corruption Angle
Investigators are examining whether the alleged payment was an isolated transaction or part of a wider system of illegal payments connected with aviation audits and regulatory approvals.
Further questioning and scrutiny of documents and financial records are expected as the investigation continues.
Aviation Safety Concerns Come Into Focus
The allegations are significant because DGCA officials oversee critical aspects of civil aviation safety in India.
Any compromise in the process of issuing aircraft airworthiness clearances could raise serious questions about regulatory oversight and passenger safety.
Source – The Indian Express, Times of India
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