National passenger carrier Air India on Thursday said that it has complied with the aviation regulator's order to de - roster the airline's operations head on charge of skipping pre - flight medical test.
"As per the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) instruction, the ED (Executive Director), Operations is de - rostered since yesterday (Wednesday) night, " Dhananjay Kumar, the Air India Spokesperson told IANS.
According to a senior DGCA official, Captain A. K. Kathpalia, who heads the airline's operations, was de - rostered based on preliminary report submitted by Air India.
The flag carrier was probing whether Kathpalia had skipped the mandatory pre - flight medical test.
"ED - Operations of the AI has been off - rostered based on preliminary report of the airline.
They have been asked to expedite submission of final report along with evidence to the DGCA, " the DGCA official said.
"Action will be taken after receipt of final investigation report from AI, " he added.
On its part, the Air India constituted a five - member committee to further probe the matter.
The development follows an incriminating letter against Kathpalia, which was sent to the DGCA by the airline's pilot union - - Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA).
The letter alleged that the senior commander had skipped the mandatory pre - flight medical test at the Delhi airport.
"They (ICPA) sent a letter to the DGCA without indicating name of the pilot.
Accordingly, Chief of Safety Air India was asked to inquire and report to the directorate, " the official said.