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Hyderabad Bypoll Drone Surveillance Hit by Sabotage as Police Probe Kite Attacks

Officials deployed 139 licensed drones for real-time monitoring in a first-of-its-kind election operation.

Overview

  • Election officials said six surveillance drones were brought down using kites in Rahmathnagar, Karmika Nagar, Madhuranagar and Shaikpet.
  • Separate reports said one drone was destroyed and two pilots were assaulted, with operators allegedly threatened to delete recorded footage.
  • Authorities reported roughly 300 suspected Model Code of Conduct violations captured by drones, largely involving alleged cash distribution, now queued for review.
  • The fleet streamed live video to a central command room linking the Election Commission, police and civic officials, with flights kept within DGCA limits near Begumpet Airport.
  • The operation was coordinated by start-up Hanuma Vyuh with technical support from IIT Hyderabad’s TiHAN, and police have opened investigations into the sabotage and reported intimidation.