KOLKATA: Around 8.45pm on Monday, cops at Hastings police station spotted ‘six to seven’ drones travelling across the sky from southwest to northeast. They alerted Kolkata Police Special Task Force, who got in touch with the Eastern Command. Both STF and Indian Army have launched separate investigations.
Sources said the UAVs spotted by Hastings cops were emitting a yellowish-white light and hovering around The 42, the high-rise tower on JL Nehru Road next to Maidan and near Fort William. Similar sightings were reported by people from Park Circus. Following the developm-ent, all police stations in the city have been placed on high alert.A senior officer at Lalbazar said the headquarters control room was informed by Hastings police station about the drones around 9pm. “We are not sure if these were drones. We alerted other police stations. Maidan PS OC also contacted Fort William officials. The entire situation is being monitored by the Army,” said a senior officer.
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‘Flying objects came in from the direction of Behala, Maheshtala’ The Eastern Command spokesperson said the drone sighting reports were under investigation. “Efforts are underway to ascertain the veracity of this event. Further information will be shared as facts are established,” he stated. Sources said the Centre has sought a report from Bengal govt. Residents who tried to record the sightings claimed there were 8-10 drones flying over areas like Hastings, Red Road, Maidan, Rabindra Sadan, Bhowanipore and 2nd Hooghly Bridge, a no-flying zone because of the proximity to Fort William, and Victoria Memorial. There are multiple unverified vidoes doing the rounds of social media. The STF and detective dept officers are collecting footage to share them with experts.“The objects flew in from the direction of Behala, Maheshtala,” said an officer. Defence officials said drones cannot be operated in areas with vital installations without Army nod.
