The Monday midnight’s fire accident that took place at the Aviation hanger of the Begumpet is suspected to be an act of sabotage, if one were to believe the hush talk going on in  the government circles.

Along with six trainer aircraft, Agusta Westland helicopter, the official helicopter of Andhra Pradesh chief minister, was also reduced to ashes in the fire accident causing tremendous loss. That the helicopter was filled with aviation turbine fuel has led to the suspicion that it could be the result of sabotage.

“We have ordered a high-level probe by the Crime Investigation Department into the accident,” minister for ports and airports Ganta Srinivasa Rao said.

Sources say chief minister N KIran Kumar Reddy had been asking for replacement for Agusta Westland aircraft for quite some time, because it was already five year old. However, there has been no permission from the Central government.

“May be, if it is destroyed, the Centre would be compelled to provide for a new helicopter,” say sources.

According to Ganta Srinivasa Rao, the cost of the Agusta Westland chopper is Rs 65 crore. “Since it has been insured, we can get the reimbursement from the insurance company. In the meantime, we will have to make alternative arrangements for the chief minister,” the minister said.