Coimbatore, 05 Oct (H.S.):

Police are investigating the discovery of a drone behind Coimbatore airport after authorities banned drone operations in the surrounding areas as part of security arrangements for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s visits.

The Peelamedu police registered a case following a complaint from airport authorities, who handed over the device for examination. Investigators are trying to identify its operator and establish why it was flown despite the restrictions.

Vijay travelled from Chennai to Coimbatore on September 30 and again on October 4 to campaign for the Dharapuram Assembly bypoll. His visits prompted heightened security at the airport and in nearby areas.

The district administration and city police declared the areas surrounding the airport a “red zone” and prohibited drone flying within the designated limits. Police were actively monitoring compliance with the ban when the device was discovered.

Airport officials and Central Industrial Security Force personnel found the fallen drone behind the airport. Its presence raised concern amid the security arrangements, prompting officials to inspect the device before reporting the matter to police.

The drone reportedly had no camera attached. Officials, however, could not immediately establish who had flown it or the circumstances in which it had fallen near the airport.

Police said the device was manufactured in China. They are conducting inquiries to trace the person responsible for operating it and determine whether its flight violated the prohibition imposed around the airport.

The investigation is also aimed at establishing the purpose of the flight. The information available so far does not explain why the drone was in the restricted area.

Police said efforts to identify the operator were continuing. The complaint and the recovered device form the basis of the ongoing inquiry into the incident, which occurred while restrictions on drone operations were in force around Coimbatore airport.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman