Was a Drone Seized at the India-Pakistan Border in Jaisalmer Just Before Independence Day?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Drone recovered near the India-Pakistan border.
- Item is marked 'Made in China'.
- Joint investigation by Jaisalmer Police and BSF.
- Heightened security in response to espionage threats.
- Recent incidents include drug recovery and spy arrest.
Jaipur, Aug 8 (NationPress) In the days leading up to the Independence Day festivities, security agencies have successfully recovered a drone along the India-Pakistan frontier in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district.
The drone was located approximately 20 km from the International Border, in a desolate area of Sector South of Jaisalmer, on Thursday evening.
Sources indicate that the drone bears the inscription 'Made in China', although no formal statement has been released by the BSF or local law enforcement, according to sources on Friday.
This incident arises amidst increased security measures along the border. Investigations are ongoing to determine how and when the drone arrived at this location—whether it recently descended or had been dispatched earlier.
Both the Jaisalmer Police and BSF are collaborating to investigate the drone's range, feed, and controlling source. A technical analysis is also in progress to ascertain the specifications of the camera and equipment attached. Given the current restrictions on civilian drone operations in border regions, authorities suspect it may have been utilized for espionage.
This marks the third significant security alert in Rajasthan's border regions within a week.
Just four days prior, security personnel in Sriganganagar discovered a heroin packet weighing more than half a kilogram, estimated to be valued between Rs 2.5 and Rs 3 crore. Three days ago, police apprehended Mahendra Prasad, a resident of Uttarakhand, near the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) center in Jaisalmer. Having been stationed at the DRDO guest house, he had been under suspicion for some time and is now accused of spying for Pakistan. He has been moved to Jaipur for further questioning.
Officials note that following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has escalated drone-related activities near the Rajasthan border, prompting agencies to heighten their vigilance. As a result, security forces have grown increasingly alert about drone operations and other potential spying endeavors.
The recent seizure highlights ongoing risks associated with cross-border smuggling and espionage activities, according to officials. Consequently, security has been tightened around crucial Defence installations, with all movements in border areas under strict scrutiny.