A helicopter carrying Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya was forced into an emergency landing shortly after takeoff from Lucknow on Saturday, March 7, 2026, due to a technical issue. The aircraft, which had five people aboard including Maurya, his aide, and two pilots, encountered a problem, leading the pilot to seek safe ground at the Lucknow airport.
The incident occurred as Maurya was scheduled to travel to Kaushambi to attend various events. Sources close to the Deputy Chief Minister indicated he was unharmed and planned to proceed to his engagements via a different helicopter. An expert team has been dispatched to investigate the exact cause of the malfunction that produced smoke, necessitating the abrupt landing.
Reports suggest Maurya had recently returned from international trips, including visits to Germany, and had further engagements planned with women from self-help groups at a 'Saras Mahotsav' event aimed at promoting rural livelihoods.
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The helicopter's diversion marks a significant disruption to the Deputy CM's schedule. Further details regarding the specific nature of the technical snag are awaited as investigators examine the aircraft.