KATHUA: A pigeon bearing a ring inscribed with what appears to be a Pakistani mobile number was found in a border village of Hiranagar sector in Kathua district, prompting police to launch an inquiry.
Official sources said the bird was spotted by locals in Chhan Khatriyan village earlier this week. On examining it, they found a ring tied to its leg carrying the number 03001717652.
The matter was subsequently reported to police, who took the pigeon into their possession for further examination.
Police said all possibilities are being verified, including whether the bird had flown across the International Border. The authenticity of the number and its possible link with a Pakistani telecom operator are also being checked.
Officials, however, said no incriminating material or message has been recovered from the pigeon so far and no espionage angle has been established at this stage.
The possibility that the bird may have been linked to pigeon racing or fancy rearing has also not been ruled out.
A similar incident was reported from the Maniyari area of Hiranagar in May 2020, when a pigeon carrying a coded ring was found and examined by security agencies.
The latest recovery comes amid heightened vigil along the Hiranagar frontier following reports of suspected drone movement in the Bobiyan area on August 23, which had prompted a search operation.
Police said the inquiry is continuing and further details are expected after examination of the ring and verification of the number.
