A political controversy has erupted in Bihar after allegations surfaced that a senior IAS officer travelled with his family on a chartered flight from Delhi to Patna, triggering debate over propriety and use of privilege.

The officer at the centre of the row is Nilesh Ramchandra Deore, a 2011-batch IAS officer currently serving as Secretary in the state’s Tourism and Civil Aviation departments. Opposition leaders questioned who funded the private aircraft journey and whether any official permission or payment was involved.

The state government responded that the aircraft was already scheduled to return to Patna after an official visit and the officer and his family only boarded the return leg, implying no additional burden on public funds.

The issue intensified politically after a minister defended the officer, raising the question of whether his caste background was being unfairly targeted. Opposition parties countered that the matter concerned transparency and accountability rather than identity.

Authorities have yet to clarify publicly whether any fare was paid for the family’s travel,

and the controversy continues to spark debate in state politics.

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