In recent days, the rural areas of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, along with neighboring districts like Amroha, Rampur, Bijnor, and Sambhal, have been gripped by fear due to reported sightings of mysterious drones. These incidents, occurring primarily at night, have led to widespread panic among villagers who suspect the drones are being used for criminal surveillance, potentially to facilitate thefts or other illegal activities. The situation has escalated to the point of mob attacks on suspected individuals and organized community patrols, raising concerns about misinformation and public safety. This article explores the details of the incident, the community’s response, official statements, and the broader implications, based on reports from credible news sources.
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| People on night vigil in a Moradabad village. (Sourced) |
Background of the Incident
The drone sightings began making headlines around mid-July 2025, with reports emerging from multiple districts in western Uttar Pradesh. The most affected areas include:
Moradabad: Particularly the Chhajlat area, where residents have reported frequent drone sightings, leading to significant unrest.
Rampur: A notable incident involved a drone found crashed near Kotwali Tanda, intensifying local fears.
Amroha, Bijnor, and Sambhal: Similar reports of drones with blinking lights have surfaced, contributing to a regional wave of panic.
According to news reports, villagers have observed drones flying low over their homes after dusk, often with flashing lights that spark alarm. Social media has amplified these concerns, with viral videos showing blinking objects in the night sky, which residents insist are drones scouting their villages.