Kolkata is currently on high alert following the sighting of multiple unidentified drone-like objects in the city's sky. The incident, which occurred on Monday night, has prompted a comprehensive investigation by the Kolkata Police, with authorities exploring all possible angles, including potential espionage.
Reports indicate that at least 8 to 10 of these objects were observed hovering over several key areas of Kolkata. These locations include the Hastings area, the Vidyasagar Setu (also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge), and the Maidan, a large public park in the heart of the city. Personnel at the Hastings Police Station were the first to spot the unusual aerial activity, noting the objects' resemblance to drones. The objects were reportedly seen flying from the direction of Maheshtala in South 24 Parganas district. They also hovered over Fort William, which serves as the headquarters of the Indian Army's Eastern Command, before disappearing from view. The drone-like objects were also sighted over the Park Circus area in eastern Kolkata before they vanished.
The Kolkata Police have launched a joint investigation, with the Special Task Force (STF) and the Detective Department working in collaboration. Given the sensitive locations over which the objects were sighted, the police are considering the possibility of espionage as a key aspect of their investigation. A police officer stated that the investigation would explore all angles.
The incident has also drawn the attention of the central government, with a senior state bureaucrat confirming that a detailed report has been requested from the West Bengal government. A Defence Ministry spokesperson acknowledged the reports of drone sightings and stated that an investigation is underway to ascertain the facts. The spokesperson urged the media to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing and assured that further information would be shared as it becomes available.
The timing of these sightings has raised concerns, given the current geopolitical climate and ongoing tensions in the region. While officials have refrained from directly linking the incident to any specific threat, the proximity of the objects to sensitive installations like Fort William has heightened the sense of urgency. Authorities are working to determine the origin of the drones, their purpose, and whether they pose any security risk.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and many questions remain unanswered. The police are likely to analyze the flight paths of the objects, review radar data, and examine any available visual evidence to identify the drones and their operators.