Investigation Launched After Unidentified Objects Resembling Drones Sighted in Kolkata

Authorities in Kolkata have initiated an investigation following reports of several unidentified flying objects resembling drones. On Monday night, at least 8 to 10 such objects were spotted over the Hastings area, Vidyasagar Setu, and the Maidan. In response, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed officials to remain vigilant. The central government has requested a report from the state regarding this incident. According to Himanshu Tiwari, a spokesperson for the Eastern Command of the Ministry of Defence, they have received reports of drones being seen over Kolkata, and an investigation is currently underway. Efforts are ongoing to verify the authenticity of these sightings, and further information will be shared as it becomes available. Meanwhile, officials have urged the media to refrain from speculation.

Police sources indicated that the first sightings of these drone-like objects were reported by personnel at the Hastings police station. A police officer stated, "These objects were observed flying from the Maheshtala area in South 24 Parganas late Monday night. They hovered over Hastings, the Second Hooghly Bridge (Vidyasagar Setu), and Fort William, which houses the Eastern Command headquarters. Unidentified drone-like objects were also seen in the Park Circus area of Kolkata. Following these sightings, the Special Task Force (STF) and the Kolkata Police's Detective Department have begun investigating all possible angles, including espionage. The officer noted that we are examining the case from all perspectives, including the possibility of spying.

In the meantime, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed administrative and police officials in the northern part of the state to remain alert to cross-border threats in strategically sensitive areas. Banerjee also advised officials to be cautious of potential flooding due to heavy rainfall. During her three-day visit to northern West Bengal, she chaired a high-level administrative meeting. She emphasized that this region, which shares international borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, is highly sensitive.