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Amid drone scare, Yogi Adityanath warns of NSA, Gangster Act against miscreants

Amid drone scare, Yogi Adityanath warns of NSA, Gangster Act against miscreants

India Today3 days ago
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued a stern warning against the misuse of drones, stating that individuals using them to spread terror or disturb public order could face charges under the Gangster Act and, if necessary, the National Security Act (NSA). Stressing zero tolerance for drone-related threats, the Chief Minister announced a complete ban on operating drones without official permission, with violators facing strict legal action.advertisementThe announcement comes amid a series of drone-related scares reported across several districts in the state."Gangster Act will be implemented on those who spread terror through drones. If needed, NSA (National Security Act) will also be implemented," the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Office quoted Adityanath.
A complete ban will be imposed on operating drones without permission and strict action will be taken against anyone who violated the ban.The statement added, "There will be a complete ban on operating drones without permission, and stringent action will be taken against violators. The Principal Secretary and DGP have been directed to review the operation of drones in every district and take action."The Chief Minister also warned that any attempts to spread rumours or disrupt public order using drones will face strict action. A directive has been issued to intensify drone monitoring and ensure that no one misuses the technology to create fear or disturb peace in the state.The Chief Minister has instructed the Principal Secretary (Home) and the Director General of Police to review drone activity in every district and implement a robust drone monitoring system. He has emphasised the need for heightened surveillance and real-time patrolling to maintain law and order and reinforce public trust."Tampering with security using technology will not be tolerated. The government will deal strictly with anyone misusing drones or spreading fear through digital means," the Chief Minister said.Officials have been asked to maintain vigilance, particularly in sensitive areas, and ensure that drone operations follow all legal and safety guidelines. The state government is also exploring technological upgrades to improve drone detection and response capabilities.DRONE SCARE IN UPThe government's tough stance comes as fear and confusion over alleged drone sightings have triggered panic in several parts of Uttar Pradesh.In a bizarre incident on Wednesday, Muzaffarnagar Police arrested two individuals for allegedly using pigeons fitted with red and green LED lights to mimic drone activity and spread fear in the area. Several villages in western UP have been on edge recently, with residents standing guard at night due to fears of unknown aerial threats.Earlier this week, panic spread in Hapur district after locals spotted a glowing object in the sky, mistaking it for a drone. The object turned out to be a kite with LED lights, flown deliberately to provoke alarm. Police intervened quickly, seizing the kites and issuing stern warnings to those involved.advertisementIn another incident last month, a man visiting his married girlfriend under the cover of darkness was mistaken for a 'drone thief' and beaten up by villagers in Hapur.Responding to a spate of such incidents, UP Police in July issued an advisory clarifying that most alleged drone sightings were false alarms. The advisory stated that many of the so-called drones were in fact toy helicopters, mostly low-cost, battery-operated, China-made devices with no surveillance capability. In several cases, even LED-lit kites or children's toys were mistakenly identified as drones, sparking unnecessary fear and misinformation.- Ends
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