Our Correspondent

Phagwara, May 2

Though the Punjab Police have purchased three advanced drones (Unmanned Aircraft System) in the month of November last year, it was the first time in the whole state when the police used these advance “drones” for aerial surveillance to maintain law and order in the troubled town Phagwara.

Large scale disturbance and communal clashes took place on April 13, between members of Dalit outfits and Hindu right-wing groups after Dalit members allegedly put up a board with a picture of BR Ambedkar at Gol Chowk.

This was confirmed by the Inspector General of Police (Zonal) Naunihal Singh while talking to The Tribune here on Monday. He said drones were used in Phagwara thrice. He also said though the paramilitary forces and cops of Punjab Police in around 4,000 in numbers were deployed in the troubled town, the need of high technology was felt to control the trouble and he preferred to use drones. The IG said the advanced drones sent video and even still photographs to the two police control rooms set up at SP office and City Police Station Phagwara for better communication and surveillance. He also disclosed that the use of drones would cost the state exchequer an amount between Rs 40-50 lakh.

With the help of advanced drones, the police is able to ascertain the density of crowd at a particular spot on the ground. It may be mentioned here that a drone usually weighs around 3.5 kg.