Fingers crossed on YSR's fate; Helicopter search called off

New Delhi, Sep 2 (PTI) The search operations by
helicopters for locating Chief Minister of India's southern
state Andhra Pradesh, Y S Rajasekhara Reddy has been called
off because of light and weather conditions and will resume
Thursday morning, Home Minister P Chidambaram said here
Wednesday.

"There is no good news yet. We are keeping our fingers
crossed. Our prayers are with Rajasekhara Reddy and his
family," he told reporters more than nine hours after the
helicopter lost the contact with the Air Traffic Control (ATC)
at 9:35 AM IST.

"The helicopter has been stopped for the time being
because of weather and light conditions. Tomorrow in the first
light of the day, helicopters will continue the search," he
said.

However, Chidambaram said the search on foot by forest
and revenue officials was on around the point where they think
the helicopter was last seen. Police and CRPF personnel were
also moving on foot. They would reach there in an hour or so.

"I have advised the state government to continue the
search even during the night with whatever light is available.
Perhaps they would be able to do the search on for couple of
hours," he said.

The Union Home Ministry has rushed 5,000 CRPF
personnel to the area from nearby Chattisgarh and Orissa to
conduct search in the area.

Andhra Pradesh police is moving towards the site where
the helicopter was last seen or where the mobile signal was
last found.

CRPF personnel are also moving. They will also reach
the area in an hour or so. Let's hope for the best and let's
pray for the best, he said.

The Home Minister was in constant touch with the
senior police and district officials where the helicopter went
missing. PTI ACB