Amid escalating public concern over suspicious drone activity in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a strong stance against the unauthorised use of drones across the state. Citing the potential threat to public safety and order, the Chief Minister announced a total ban on drone operations without prior official permission. He warned that those found misusing drones to incite panic or disrupt law and order could face severe legal consequences under the Gangster Act and, if necessary, the National Security Act (NSA).
This decisive move comes in response to a series of unusual and alarming incidents reported in multiple districts. In one bizarre case, police in Muzaffarnagar arrested individuals who had attached LED lights to pigeons, creating the illusion of drones and sparking fear among local residents. Similar confusion unfolded in Hapur, where a glowing kite with LED lights was mistaken for a drone, prompting police intervention. In another incident, a man visiting his partner at night was beaten by villagers who assumed he was a drone thief.
The Chief Minister’s Office issued a stern message, declaring that tampering with public security using technological means will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He directed the Principal Secretary (Home) and the Director General of Police to thoroughly monitor drone activity in all districts and to strengthen drone surveillance mechanisms. The state government is also exploring upgrades to drone detection and interception technology to better enforce the ban and prevent misuse.
Officials have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, particularly in sensitive areas, and to act swiftly against any attempts to misuse drones or imitate them using homemade devices. The administration has clarified that operating any aerial device, including toy helicopters and LED-equipped kites, without official sanction will invite legal action. This directive aims not only to prevent fearmongering but also to reinforce public confidence in the government’s commitment to safety and law enforcement.
The police have already issued advisories to the public, explaining that most of the recent drone-related alarms were false. In many cases, the so-called drones turned out to be toys or harmless objects mistaken for surveillance devices. Still, the government insists on a zero-tolerance policy to deter both pranksters and potential threats, asserting that public security cannot be compromised under any guise.
