Chandigarh, 17 May (H.S.): A brief scare spread in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district on Sunday after villagers discovered a suspicious aircraft-shaped object lying in agricultural fields near Sataur village on the Dasuya road. The object bore the words “Pakistan International Airlines (PIA),” prompting immediate concern among local residents.

According to eyewitnesses, the object was first spotted by villagers heading toward the fields in the morning. From a distance, it appeared to resemble a drone or a small aircraft, raising fears about its origin and purpose. The villagers quickly informed village Sarpanch Kuldeep Kaur and committee member Parmjit Singh, who then alerted the police.

A police team reached the spot and examined the object. Preliminary investigation revealed that it was not a drone or any dangerous device, but a hot air balloon designed in the shape of an airplane. The balloon had “PIA” and “Pakistan International Airlines” printed on its surface.

Despite confirming that the object was a balloon, police launched a precautionary search in the surrounding fields and nearby areas to determine whether any material had been dropped along with it. Officials said nothing suspicious was found during the search operation.

Authorities are now investigating how the balloon reached the area and whether it drifted across the border due to wind conditions. Security agencies are also looking into the matter as a routine precaution.

urther investigation is ongoing to trace the balloon’s source and assess how it landed in the Hoshiarpur region.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH