3 Army personnel injured in 'slithering' ops

Three army personnel were injured while carrying out "slithering" operations from an advanced light helicopter (ALH) at the Army's parade ground here, official sources said today.

The incident, involving ALH Dhruv, took place Tuesday.

Slithering is an exercise where troops are dropped from a helicopter in an area of operation using a rope attached to the chopper.

Following the incident, the Army has suspended slithering operations involving ALH Dhruv till a probe is completed, the sources said.

"Material failure" appears to be the reason behind the incident, in which three personnel were injured, they said.

ALH Dhruv is an indigenously developed helicopter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).