Fear Soars as Drone Rumors Haunt Rural Uttar Pradesh

In rural Uttar Pradesh, rumors about drones scouting for robberies spur widespread hysteria. Villages report sightings, prompting police action and public unrest. Despite no thefts linked to drones, fear persists, fueled by misinformation and social media. Authorities implement measures to prevent panic and unauthorized drone use, but anxiety remains.

Rumors of drone-led robberies have spread fear and panic across rural districts in Uttar Pradesh. Villagers, gripped by stories of night-time aerial reconnaissance, now watch the skies in fear, while authorities, scrambling to quell the unrest, have introduced measures to regulate drone use and counter misinformation.

High-ranking officials, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stress severe consequences for unauthorized drone use and rumor-mongering. Despite the lack of evidence linking drones to thefts, police have been tasked with maintaining detailed records of drone ownership and usage to prevent further hysteria.

The narrative, which originated in Amroha, has been fueled by social media, resulting in several violent incidents and arrests for spreading false information. Officials are working to distinguish reality from fiction, urging cooperation to restore order, as communities remain on high alert.

(With inputs from agencies.)