A Pakistani drone was discovered in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district on December 2, revealing a concerning breach of Indian airspace. According to officials, the unmanned aerial vehicle conducted three sorties within Indian territory between December 1 and 2 before crashing due to a technical malfunction during its third flight.
The drone was located in a field at Chak 9-F village, near the Shekhsarpal border post of the Border Security Force (BSF). Forensic investigations confirmed that the drone had made three distinct incursions into the region, raising alarms about potential illicit activities. While authorities have not disclosed whether the drone was used to smuggle heroin or pistols, suspicions of involvement by drug traffickers from Pakistan persist.
In response to the incident, the BSF has registered a case under the Indian Aircraft Act against unidentified individuals. Inspector Ravinder Kumar of the 77th Battalion of the BSF provided details of the operation, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance in the border areas.
“This incident underscores the persistent threats we face along the international border,” said Inspector Kumar. “We are committed to ensuring the security of our territory and preventing any anti-national activities.”
Amid escalating tensions, the BSF has ramped up patrolling along the Pakistan border in Fazilka’s Jalalabad region. The intensified security measures come in the wake of dense fog caused by the region’s cold weather, which has historically provided cover for illicit operations. An official from the BSF stated that the enhanced patrols are a direct response to recent threats and aim to deter any cross-border attempts at smuggling or other unlawful activities.
This recent drone intrusion follows a string of security breaches over the past month, including the recovery of another drone and packages containing heroin in separate incidents along the border. Authorities suspect that these operations are orchestrated by drug smugglers seeking to exploit the porous border for illegal trade.
Commandant Ravi Ranjan of the 52nd Battalion has ordered stringent security protocols to be implemented immediately. “Our priority is to safeguard our borders against any form of intrusion or smuggling attempts,” he asserted. “We are deploying additional resources and leveraging advanced surveillance technologies to monitor and secure the border effectively.”
The Sri Ganganagar district, which lies adjacent to Punjab and is in close proximity to the International Border with Pakistan, has become a focal point for border security operations. The BSF’s proactive measures aim to curb the rising incidents of cross-border violations and maintain the integrity of India’s territorial boundaries.
As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the drone incursions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in securing India’s borders against sophisticated threats.
