kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Unidentified drones seen flying over prominent areas of Kolkata—including Victoria Memorial, Hastings, and Behala—have sparked a wave of speculation and concern among residents and authorities alike. The unusual sightings, particularly during the late hours of the night, have prompted both the Kolkata Police and the Indian Army to initiate investigations into the origins and intent behind these drone flights.

According to eyewitnesses, the drones were visible in the sky for several minutes and were spotted hovering silently over strategic locations. The sightings, some of which were reported near defence installations, raised alarm bells, especially given the heightened security concerns in the country. Locals in areas like Victoria Memorial and Hastings, which are not only densely populated but also house sensitive zones, expressed anxiety over the unexplained presence of these aerial objects.

The matter quickly caught the attention of Lalbazar—the Kolkata Police headquarters—as well as military intelligence units. The Indian Army, particularly its Eastern Command based in Kolkata, has reportedly taken a serious view of the situation, considering that any unauthorized drone activity near military zones poses a significant threat to national security.

Sources in the police department have confirmed that they are coordinating closely with defence personnel to ascertain the nature and origin of the drones. “We have received multiple reports of drone sightings. Some have been seen hovering at considerable heights and over restricted airspaces. We are verifying the authenticity of the visuals and trying to determine whether the drones were operated legally or not,” said a senior officer from Lalbazar.

According to initial findings, no official permissions for drone flights in those areas were issued on the nights in question. This has deepened the mystery, as the use of drones—especially at night—requires clearance from both aviation authorities and local police, particularly near heritage structures and defence facilities.

The Indian Army has also issued an internal alert to its units, asking them to report any further sightings and coordinate with the civil administration. It is unclear whether the drones were part of a surveillance attempt, a civilian hobby activity gone wrong, or a test flight by an unauthorized party. The fact that they were visible over locations like Behala, which is close to certain sensitive establishments, has added urgency to the investigation.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened in and around the Victoria and Hastings areas. Police patrols have increased during nighttime hours, and drone detection measures, including monitoring with high-powered binoculars and mobile radar units, are being considered.

Residents who witnessed the drones describe them as medium-sized, with blinking lights that hovered for several minutes before vanishing into the darkness. The sightings occurred on multiple nights, suggesting either repeated missions or testing.

Cybersecurity and technology experts have weighed in, warning that drones can be used for a variety of purposes—including surveillance, photography, and even data theft—if operated maliciously. They emphasize the need for strict drone regulations and real-time monitoring systems, especially in urban areas with strategic and historic significance.

As the investigations unfold, the Kolkata Police have urged citizens not to panic but to report any similar sightings immediately. They have also reminded drone operators that unauthorized flights, particularly over restricted or crowded areas, are punishable under aviation and security laws.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines mandate prior approval for flying drones above a certain altitude or in restricted zones. Violating these rules can lead to severe penalties, including arrest and confiscation of the drone equipment.

For now, the city remains on alert, with law enforcement and military agencies working together to determine whether this was an isolated incident or part of a larger, potentially more troubling pattern. The mystery surrounding these drones may soon unravel, but for many in Kolkata, the sight of blinking lights silently gliding across the night sky has left a lingering sense of unease.