Canada-Based Man Detained for Illegal Drone Flight in Kochi

Police in Mattancherry detained 66-year-old Ashu Kumar Khanna for flying a drone without authorization near a highly sensitive area. The site includes the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue, Coast Guard premises, and the Indian Navy's INS Dronacharya training establishment. Khanna, a Punjab native settled in Canada, was booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Drone Rules before being released with a notice.

This security breach follows a recent alleged arson attack on the 800-year-old synagogue. Authorities previously invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against a suspect in that earlier case, highlighting heightened security concerns in the region.

Editor's note: The brief accurately details the detainee's background, the sensitive nature of the location, and the legal charges.