Mystery Drones Spotted Over Key Kolkata Locations; Espionage Angle Probed
Drone-like objects seen near Fort William, Vidyasagar Setu and Park Circus; Centre seeks report from Bengal government
Kolkata was abuzz on Tuesday following reports of suspicious drone activity over several parts of the city, including the no-fly zone that covers critical military installations such as Fort William—the headquarters of the Indian Army's Eastern Command.
The drone sightings were first reported on the evening of May 19 in the southern areas of the city. According to sources, 8–10 drones were spotted around 8:30 PM in localities including Bhowanipore, Hastings, Maidan, and Rabindra Sadan.
Witnesses claimed the drones appeared to be circling near sensitive zones like Fort William and the Victoria Memorial, both of which fall under designated no-fly areas. Preliminary investigations suggest the drones may have originated from Maheshtala on the city’s southeastern fringes. The Kolkata Police and Army have launched a joint probe into the incident.
Eastern Command spokesperson Wing Commander Himanshu Tiwari stated, “Reports of drone sightings over Kolkata have been received and are currently under investigation. Efforts are underway to ascertain the veracity of this event. Further information will be shared as facts are established. In the interim, the media is urged to refrain from speculation.”
