Pune Rural Police Shoot Down 6 Unauthorized Drones During Palkhi Processions
Pune, 29th June 2025: In a firm crackdown on unauthorized drone activity, the Pune Rural Police have deployed anti-drone guns to monitor and neutralize drones being flown without permission during the annual palkhi processions of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj. So far, six drones operated by photographers without official clearance have been disabled.
Confirming the action, Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural) Sandeep Singh Gill stated, “We are taking this matter very seriously. Any unauthorized drone use during these sensitive events will not be tolerated. Our teams are actively identifying and neutralizing such drones using anti-drone technology.”
According to officials, the action was initiated after multiple drones were spotted flying dangerously close to crowds participating in the religious procession. In all six instances, the drone operators failed to obtain prior permission from authorities, as mandated by law.
Legal Action Initiated
Police have registered First Information Reports (FIRs) under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — which pertains to disobeying lawful orders issued by public servants — across multiple police stations in Pune Rural jurisdiction. The drone operators have also been served notices and have been asked to cooperate with the investigation.
“We’ve informed these operators that they must appear for questioning. Strict action will be taken if the violations continue,” SP Gill added.
What Are Anti-Drone Guns?
The anti-drone guns being used work by disrupting the communication signals between the drone and its controller. This disables the drone’s ability to navigate or operate its camera mid-air, effectively bringing it down without causing harm to people on the ground.
These high-tech devices are typically used near sensitive locations or during high-security public gatherings where drones could pose a threat to safety or violate airspace regulations.
DGCA and Central Government Norms
According to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules, individuals or companies intending to fly drones must obtain prior approval from the local police, particularly for video recording in public areas. Furthermore, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has strictly prohibited the use of drones near sensitive installations, including military zones and government offices.
Police Urge Drone Operators to Follow Protocol
With the palkhi processions continuing for the next few days, the police have warned that anti-drone surveillance will remain in force. Authorities have urged photographers, media professionals, and content creators to seek appropriate permissions before operating drones in or around procession routes.
“We respect everyone’s enthusiasm to capture the event, but public safety comes first,” SP Gill said. “We urge all drone users to follow the law. Those who don’t will face legal consequences.”
The palkhi processions attract lakhs of devotees, making it critical for law enforcement to maintain a secure and interference-free environment. The use of anti-drone technology underscores the administration’s commitment to managing large gatherings with both tradition and technology in mind.
