Why Drones Are Causing Panic, Giving People Sleepless Nights In UP's Raebareli
In the villages of Raebareli, residents are convinced that thieves use these drones to watch over their homes before committing crimes.
- Date & Time:
- |
- Views: 44
- |
- From: India News Bull
Similar drone sightings have been reported in other parts of western Uttar Pradesh. (Representational)
Imagine this scenario: Complete darkness engulfs the distant villages of Raebareli. In these rural areas, cricket sounds typically dominate the nighttime silence. However, for the past three nights, something unusual has disrupted this tranquility. After sunset, mysterious lights appear overhead - drones cutting through the darkness. The villagers have been experiencing severe insomnia as a result.
Across multiple villages in Jagatpur, including Harpur Halla, Bindaganj, Parahari, Umri, Pari, Pure Kaithan, and Daulatpur, locals strongly believe these drones are being utilized by thieves to survey their homes before executing burglaries.
Although residents claim to have captured footage of these drones, they allege that law enforcement is dismissing their concerns as "rumours." The police maintain that there is no concrete evidence linking these drones to criminal activity.
Similar reports have emerged from various locations across western Uttar Pradesh.
A resident named Buddhiman Singh from Harpur Halla has submitted an official complaint, accusing a fellow villager of employing drones for reconnaissance before committing thefts. In response, authorities have filed a case and commenced an investigation.
Additional SP Sanjeev Kumar Sinha of Raebareli emphasized that drone operations are strictly controlled. "Unauthorized drone flying is prohibited. There's a dedicated drone operations committee, and any government surveys require advance notification."
Regarding an incident in Unchahar village, Mr. Sinha noted that despite receiving drone reports, the devices had vanished before police arrived at the scene. He confirmed that an ongoing investigation is underway, with participation from the police's 112 emergency response team.
Following previous similar complaints from other regions in UP, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the issue during a high-level law and order meeting in August. He issued a strong warning against unauthorized drone operations and rumor-mongering.
"Individuals creating fear through drone usage - or spreading false information - will face charges under the Gangster Act," the Chief Minister was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. He further warned that National Security Act provisions could be implemented if deemed necessary.
Police investigations trace this mass hysteria back to Amroha, where strange rumors began circulating in early June about underwear-clad, oil-covered thieves using drones to scout homes before breaking in. Despite seeming implausible, these stories spread rapidly across communities.
(With inputs from Faiz Abbas)