Fazilka, 13 August (H.S.): Amid

heightened security across the country ahead of Independence Day, a suspected

cross-border smuggling attempt was foiled in the India-Pakistan border area of

Fazilka after a Pakistani drone allegedly entered Indian territory carrying weapons

and ammunition.

According to

officials, the drone crossed the international fencing and travelled nearly 100

metres inside Indian territory. Alert security personnel detected the movement,

following which the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police launched a

joint search operation in the area.

Soon after

receiving information about the drone movement, security forces cordoned off

the area and began an intensive search operation during the night.

After nearly

three hours of searching, the drone was recovered from a paddy field near

border village Mumbe. A package found near the drone was also examined by

security personnel.

During the

operation, security forces recovered One high-tech drone, One pistol, Two

magazines and Nine live cartridges.

Police official

Bhupinder Singh said SHO Hardev Singh Bedi of Sadar Police Station and his team

were on routine patrol when they received confirmed information regarding drone

movement in the border area.

He said Punjab

Police and the BSF were already maintaining heightened vigil in border areas

ahead of Independence Day and regular checking operations were underway.

The drone,

weapon and ammunition have been taken into possession, while a case has been

registered against unidentified smugglers.

Security

agencies are now conducting a technical investigation to determine who was

supposed to receive the consignment in India and to identify the network

involved in sending the weapons from across the border. Further investigation

is underway.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH