More drone parts recovered from Guwahati, one arrested

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 16, 2024

Two days after the recovery of some drone equipment from Sonapur Toll Gate on NH 27 on June 14, the Special Task Force (STF) conducted another operation and arrested one Sanjib Kumar Mishra, a resident of Noonmati area, Guwahati with drone parts from Rup Nagar area of the city on Saturday evening. 

However, police confirmed that the two are separate operations conducted by the STF based on intelligence inputs provided by Central Intelligence agencies.

“In a continued and determined effort to halt the transportation of incriminating materials to Manipur and to prevail peace and tranquillity in the region, the STF arrested one Sanjib Kumar Mishra a resident of Noonmati with drone parts from Rup Nagar yesterday evening,” STF IGP Partha Sarathi Mahanta said. 

“The arrested Sanjib Kumar Mishra was trying to transport it to some terrorist groups based in Manipur,” Mahanta said

“After a prolonged operation the items were being seized as the person arrested was trying to transport it to some terrorist groups based in Manipur. The operation is seen as a huge success in terms of thwarting a major sabotage activity in violence engulfed Manipur,” Mahanta added.

A case has been registered vide STF PS case number 10/2024 under section 121 of IPC read with section 16/18 of the UA (P) Act. 1967.

On June 14, a team of STF arrested David Khaigoulen Kipgen (27) from a vehicle (No AS01FU3927) at Sonapur Toll Gate on NH 27 for an unauthorised transaction of drone equipment, which was to be transported to Manipur.

David is the son of Hensat Kipgen from Gamngai village, Sapormeina Police Station in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.

The police recovered 10 TB30 Intelligent Flight Batteries suspected to be used in drones, cash amounting to Rs 3,40,000, 4 pairs of shoes and one mobile handset from the vehicle.

Police claimed that the equipment was to be brought to Manipur to use in sabotage.

“The confiscation of these items, particularly the drone batteries, underscores the clandestine efforts by certain banned organizations in Manipur to procure drones for illicit activities. The STF is conducting necessary formalities and further investigations are underway,” Mahanta added.

As per Drone Laws, all drones have to be registered with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and all drone operators must have a licence to fly them. But nobody has done registrations on the DGCA’s Digital Sky platform. Flying drones over private property or sensitive areas without permission is also prohibited and may result in legal consequences.