The sky lit up with red and green lights in the dead of night, sparking rumors about drones. Yet, the truth unveiled by the police left everyone shocked. It wasn't drones but pigeons adorned with lights. Shoaib and Shakeeb of Muzaffarnagar orchestrated a plot that incited widespread panic. The police swiftly grounded this 'flying myth.'
Not Drones, but Pigeons with LED Lights
Recently, reports of glowing lights in the night skies of Western UP became common. These lights were thought to be spy drones, instilling fear in villagers who began night watches. Similar occurrences took place in Muzaffarnagar's Kakaroli area, heating up the rumor mill once more. Someone reported to the police something 'drone-like' hovering, prompting a swift response.
Police Chase and the Forest Thriller
Responding to the report, Station In-charge Jogendra Singh, with his team, arrived at the scene. The pursuit led them through fields into the forest, revealing a scene straight from a mystery novel: two pigeons in flight, their necks and legs fitted with small red and green LED lights. The police captured the pigeons and found Shoaib and Shakeeb nearby, whose questioning laid bare the ‘drone drama’ plot.
The Motive Unveiled
Both young men, pigeon racing enthusiasts, devised a plan not for competition but to spread fear. They sourced special LED lights from Delhi, attaching them to pigeons using wires and batteries, creating an illusion of flying robotic drones when released at night. Their actions stemmed from existing drone fears, aiming to amplify that fear.
SSP's Story Unfolded
SSP Muzaffarnagar Sanjay Kumar Verma shared that on the night of July 29-30, sightings of red-green lights prompted an investigation. As the team followed the lights through fields to the forest and saw the pigeons, the truth was evident. The suspects, both pigeon enthusiasts, trained and equipped their pigeons with lights, choosing nights to confuse observers. The police recovered two pigeons, a cage, LEDs, wiring supplies, and batteries. Names of others surfaced, warranting further investigation. Cases were filed under sections of the IPC, and they were jailed. SSP also announced a reward of 20,000 for the police team.
SSP’s Appeal: Don't Panic, Report
SSP Sanjay Verma urged the public to report any suspicious flying objects or lights to 112 or the nearest station without fear. He advised against spreading rumors and assured the police are raising awareness in villages through community assemblies. Lessons from this incident have prompted advisories to other districts for vigilance.
