Drone spotted over Solar Explosives’airstrip; security agencies on high alert

 

 

 

AN UNIDENTIFIEDdrone was spotted flying over the airstrip of Solar Industries, on Amravati Road, on the night of December 9, which triggered serious secu rity concerns and a multi-agency investigation. The incident occurred around 7.15 pm and was immediately reported by the company’s security staff to the police. According to police officials, the drone was seen hovering in the sky, but due to darkness, its exact size, shape and altitude could not be determined. The security personnel at the Solar Group campus noticed only blinking lights moving in the sky and suspected it to be a drone.

 

They informed senior security officers who alerted the Kondhali Police Station. The matter was taken seriously by senior police officials as Solar Explosives Company is involved in the manufacturing of defence related products and explosives. Any unauthorised aerial activi ty over such a sensitive installa tion is considered a potential security threat. Following the alert, an immediate investiga tion was ordered and police teams rushed to the spot. Police initially explored the possibility that the drone could have been used during a wedding or a private function in nearby areas and may have accidental ly strayed into restricted airspace.

 

Acting on this assumption, police teams conducted night searches in nearby villages including Malkapur, Shiva and Sawanga. Residents were questioned and checks were carried out to trace any recent use of drones for pho tography or videography. However, no information about the drone or its operator was found. To ensure thorough verifica tion, police teams remained sta tioned in these villages for the next two days. Surveillance was maintained and further inquiries were conducted, but the efforts did not yield any concrete leads. No person or group came for ward to claim ownership of the drone. Meanwhile, the incident drew the attention of central intelli gence agencies. A team from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) began its own investigation into the matter.

 

The IB team inspected the area and collected prelimi nary inputs, while also inform ing its headquarters in New Delhi about the incident. Sources said the IB is examining all possible angles, including whether the drone was part of surveillance or a test flight. Superintendent of Police Dr Harssh Poddar confirmed that the investigation is underway and that a formal case has been registered. “We are treating the matter with utmost seriousness. An FIR has been lodged, and all necessary agencies are coordi nating to identify the source and purpose of the drone,” Dr Poddar said. Police officials said security around the Solar Explosives premises has been strengthened as a precautionary measure. Investigators are also checking technical data and CCTV footage from nearby locations to gather more clues.