New Delhi, October 24
The Army today ‘debriefed’ its four-member crew, including two pilots, of the Cheetah helicopter, which had yesterday by mistake strayed into Skardu in the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). The ‘debrief’ was conducted at the Leh headquarters of the 14 Corps and the crew was asked about its four-hour stay in PoK.

Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) sleuths would also be putting forward its list of questions to the crew.

The records of the global positioning system (GPS) aboard the Army Aviation Corps copter are also being screened to ascertain how and why the pilots strayed into PoK airspace. Inclement weather is being blamed for the lapse.

The copter carrying three officers and one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) had taken off from Leh yesterday and was bound for Bhimbhat in the Drass area. However, it strayed into PoK territory at around 1320 hours yesterday but was allowed to fly back in the evening.

Sources said the crew members on their return had revealed that they were grilled for around four hours by Pakistan officials. However, they were treated well. Questions were asked in English, Urdu & Hindustani.

Army sources said once the crew landed, it was surrounded by Pakistan Army officials and taken to a building, where the members were questioned.