Pigeon Cleared of Spying Charges in India After 8-Month Detention

A pigeon suspected of espionage for China was released following an investigation that confirmed it was a racing bird from Taiwan.

The pigeon was detained in May near a Mumbai port, with initial suspicions of espionage due to Chinese characters on its legs.
Investigation revealed the pigeon was an open-water racing bird from Taiwan that had lost its way.
The bird was equipped with rings and a microchip, analyzed to track its location and confirm its identity.
Animal rights group PETA India intervened, leading to the pigeon's release after months of captivity.
The incident highlights India's vigilance against espionage, including past detentions of birds under similar suspicions.