Drone Scare in Kolkata: Unidentified Aerial Objects Spotted Over Key Locations Post-Operation Sindoor

Several drone-like flying objects were observed hovering over key areas in Kolkata during the night, triggering alerts among state and central security agencies in the wake of Operation Sindoor.

According to officials cited by PTI, at least 8 to 10 unmanned aerial vehicles were seen on Monday night over locations such as Hastings, Park Circus, Vidyasagar Setu, and the Maidan area.

The initial sightings came from Hastings Police Station officials. “These drone-like-objects were seen flying from the direction of Maheshtala in South 24 Parganas district late on Monday.

They hovered over the Hastings area, the Second Hooghly Bridge (Vidyasagar Setu) and Fort William (the army’s Eastern Command headquarters),” a police officer told PTI.

Authorities Probe Espionage Angle

Kolkata Police officials, while confirming an investigation is underway, mentioned they are looking into multiple possibilities, including espionage. A Defence Ministry spokesperson, however, cautioned the public and media not to speculate.

“We have received some information from media that drone activity has been spotted in the skies, we’re looking into the authenticity of the information,” the Defence Ministry said in its response to media reports about drones being spotted near the Indian Army’s Eastern Command headquarters.

“It is requested to not speculate and wait for official version. Please do not speculate as it may be a complete hoax,” the ministry added.

Central Government Seeks Report from State

A senior West Bengal government official informed PTI that the central government has formally requested a report on the recent drone sightings. The Special Task Force (STF) and the Detective Department of the Kolkata Police have launched a full-scale investigation.

“We are probing the matter from all angles, including the possibility of espionage,” said a senior police official.

The drones were briefly seen over the Park Circus area before vanishing. A Defence Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, confirmed that sightings were being examined.

“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,” the official said.

Locals Report Drones Over Coastal Areas

After the Kolkata incident, mysterious lights were reported in coastal regions of South 24 Parganas on Wednesday night. Residents captured videos of the lights and speculated these were drones.

The lights were also noticed near the Kapil Muni Temple, where the annual Gangasagar Mela is held. These sightings came on the heels of recent India-Pakistan military tensions involving drone use, heightening public concern.

Sundarbans Police began an investigation and concluded that the lights likely came from low-flying aircraft. Several planes had been scheduled to land at Kolkata airport but were delayed due to poor weather, causing them to circle at low altitudes. From the ground, these aircraft appeared similar to drones.

Drone Activity Near Red Zones

On Monday night, seven drones were reportedly seen over the Hastings area, home to several no-fly red zones such as the Second Hooghly Bridge, Victoria Memorial, and Fort William.

Four drones moved toward the Maidan near Victoria Memorial and hovered around a nearby high-rise.

Subsequently, five drones flew east toward Park Circus, while two were seen heading north toward North Kolkata. The incident prompted immediate alerts, and the Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar was informed.

The STF and Detective Department are closely investigating the incident, including a possible espionage connection.

Murshidabad Village Drone Sighting Adds to Panic

On May 11, panic gripped residents of Durgapur-Barojdihi village in Murshidabad’s Samserganj when a drone was discovered lying in an open field.

Given the backdrop of recent drone-related hostilities between India and Pakistan, the discovery caused alarm in the border area near Bangladesh.

However, the South Bengal Frontier of the BSF later clarified that the drone was a civilian model, typically used by photographers. It featured a built-in 4K camera, had a flight range of 400 to 500 metres, and could stay airborne for about 15–20 minutes. The model was not capable of carrying any payload.