Drones Spark Security Alert in New Jalpaiguri, 5 Detained

KalimNews, Siliguri, January 14, 2025 : Five individuals from Maharashtra were detained by New Jalpaiguri police on Tuesday morning for flying drones without prior permission from local authorities, triggering a security alert in the region. The incident unfolded when railway security personnel at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station spotted a drone in the air and swiftly alerted the local police, leading to the prompt detention of the individuals.

The detained individuals were reportedly operating the drones in the Fulbari Tea Park area, a locality near New Jalpaiguri, and were initially believed to be violating local airspace regulations. Upon their arrest, the five men explained to the police that they had been hired by an agency to conduct a survey related to the expansion of the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. They claimed that the drones were being used for mapping and monitoring purposes, which is crucial for large-scale infrastructure projects.

According to the detained individuals, their task was part of a larger survey project meant to assess the area around the railway station for possible expansion. However, the police were not notified of the drone operation in advance, which is required by local regulations. This lack of permission raised concerns about potential security risks, as unauthorized drone flights could lead to breaches in sensitive areas, especially near transportation hubs like the railway station.