Around 8:45 PM, officers at Hastings police station reported sighting six to seven drones traversing the sky from southwest to northeast. Similar sightings were reported over Park Circus, Vidyasagar Setu, and the Maidan area. The Kolkata Police Special Task Force was alerted and subsequently coordinated with the Indian Army’s Eastern Command to investigate the origin and purpose of these UAVs.
The incident has raised concerns about airspace security, especially in the wake of Operation Sindoor, during which India’s air defence systems, including the indigenous Akashteer, successfully intercepted and neutralized over 600 drones launched by Pakistan along the western border. The operation highlighted the increasing use of drones in modern warfare and the need for robust counter-drone measures.
Security agencies are exploring various possibilities, including espionage, as the motive behind the drone activity over Kolkata. The Kolkata Police have initiated a thorough investigation, examining CCTV footage and gathering information from local witnesses to determine the drones' flight paths and potential launch sites.
The sightings have prompted discussions among security experts about the adequacy of current airspace monitoring systems in urban areas. There is a growing consensus on the need to enhance surveillance capabilities and implement advanced technologies to detect and neutralize unauthorized drones, particularly in sensitive zones.
In response to the incident, security has been tightened around critical infrastructure in Kolkata, including the airport, where the Central Industrial Security Force and local police have increased joint patrols. These measures aim to pre-empt potential threats and ensure public safety amid escalating tensions along the Indo-Pak border.
The proliferation of drone technology and its potential misuse underscore the importance of developing comprehensive policies and technological solutions to address emerging security challenges. Authorities are emphasizing the need for public awareness and vigilance to prevent and respond to unauthorized drone activities effectively.