CBI Registers Corruption Case Against Former DGCA Director Anil Gill

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a case against Captain Anil Gill, formerly the Director of Flying Training at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with several companies and individuals, on charges of corruption and criminal conspiracy.

A preliminary inquiry was launched on April 7, 2025, following a complaint alleging that Gill misused his official authority. The CBI registered a regular case on August 21 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code.

According to the FIR, Gill allegedly provided undue official favors to select Flying Training Organizations (FTOs). This allegedly resulted in financial detriment to other FTOs operating under similar conditions. The complaint further suggests that Gill facilitated the procurement of training aircraft at low prices through benami or shell entities, reportedly managed by his close relatives.

These aircraft were then allegedly leased to favored FTOs at inflated rates, generating illicit profits. The FIR details that Bluethroat Aero Global Pvt Ltd (BAGPL), incorporated in 2016, had Gill's mother and aunt as directors, with his cousin and sister-in-law joining later. Other entities, including Sabres Corporate Solutions Pvt Ltd and Sandhills Aviation IFSC Pvt Ltd, also listed Gill's relatives as directors.

The investigation revealed that BAGPL acquired two Cessna aircraft for ₹10 lakh and ₹37.5 lakh. These were subsequently leased to Redbird Aviation Academy Pvt Ltd, with approvals allegedly granted by Gill in his official capacity. Between 2021 and October 2023, BAGPL reportedly earned over ₹2.16 crore in lease rentals solely from Redbird Aviation Academy. The FIR also points to regulatory favoritism, noting that Redbird Aviation Academy received its initial FTO approval in just over a month, while competitors faced approval times of four to six months. Additionally, Gill allegedly chaired a committee that appointed his cousin, Vikas Nain, to a high-paying position at Redbird Aviation Academy.