Chinese Defence Minister gives 2 IAF pilots Rs 1 lakh

September 05, 2012 20:20

It was an unusual gift from Chinese Defence Minister Gen Liang Guang Lie to two Indian Air Force pilots -- Rs one lakh in cash.

The pilots were given cash in two envelopes after they flew the visiting minister by special IAF aircraft from Mumbai to Delhi on Monday, sources told PTI in New Delhi on Wednesday.

They said after seeing off Liang, the pilots checked their 'unusual gift' in sealed envelopes and then realised it was Rs one lakh cash in Indian currency.

The Captain of the aircraft then informed the Air Headquarters about the 'gift' and it was decided that the money would be deposited in the Government depository (toshakhana), the sources said.

They said the money could not be returned to the Chinese Defence Minister due to sensitivities involved in it.

IAF officials said when Indian dignitaries travel on these aircraft for foreign trips, they gift ties and other small mementos as a token of appreciation to the aircraft crew.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar arrested in Swati Maliwal 'assault' case

Kumar was picked up from the chief minister's residence by a Delhi Police team around noon, a senior police officer said.

Can BJP breach Gandhi's Raebareli bastion?

Several BJP voters say the Ram temple sentiment may give the ruling party a fillip but are also aware of the herculean task at hand and concede that it is a daunting electoral contest for Dinesh Singh, who lost to Sonia Gandhi in the...

Maliwal facing arrest, blackmailed by BJP: AAP

Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi on Saturday claimed that party MP Swati Maliwal, who has accused Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar of assaulting her, is facing arrest in an illegal recruitment case and she was 'blackmailed' by the...

India issues warning after mob violence in Kyrgyzstan

The number of Indian students in Kyrgyzstan is estimated to be around 15,000.

In Pictures - Manmohan Singh, Advani cast votes from home

This initiative ensures these voters can participate in the electoral process with ease and dignity, eliminating the need to visit polling stations. Delhi will go to polls on May 25.