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NEW DELHI: Maharashtra cabinet minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal had a close call on Saturday when the helicopter he was travelling in landed in a parking lot in Pune instead of the designated helipad. Officials said a proper helipad had been prepared for VVIP arrivals, but the pilot reportedly mistook an open space in the parking area for the landing site. The area was relatively empty at the time, which may have led to the confusion. However, the landing was risky as the helicopter’s spinning rotors could have caused damage to nearby vehicles or structures. Speaking to reporters later, Bhujbal said, “There has been no accident; we have all emerged safely. There is no need to worry; the helicopter landed in the car parking area simply because the helipad was not visible.”Security agencies have started an inquiry to find out whether the mistake happened due to a technical problem or human error.Bhujbal was travelling from Nashik to Khanvadi in Purandar tehsil to attend an event marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.
