Pigeon Suspected of Espionage Released from Mumbai Hospital After Year-Long Custody
Mumbai, 1st February 2024: A pigeon, previously under custody at Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals in Parel, Mumbai, on suspicion of espionage due to rings and inscriptions on its leg, was released on January 30, 2024. Chief Medical Superintendent Colonel Dr. B. B. Kulkarni facilitated the release following clearance from the Police Department.
The bird was apprehended on May 17 of the preceding year at Pir Pau Jetty by the RCF (Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers) police in Chembur. The suspicion arose from the discovery of two rings, one copper and one aluminium, affixed to its leg, along with inscriptions in a Chinese-like script beneath its wings. While forensic testing was conducted on the rings, the pigeon underwent a comprehensive medical examination at the hospital.
Dr. Mayur Dangar, the hospital’s manager, confirmed the pigeon’s sound medical condition, emphasizing that its release required proper authorization due to its police custody status.
Assistant Police Inspector Ravindra Patil from RCF police station clarified on January 17 that the pigeon, previously involved in open water racing in Taiwan, had inadvertently landed in India during an event. The spying allegations were dismissed, with authorities believing the bird had already been set free.
In response to media coverage on January 22, the hospital, facing spatial constraints with only eight bird cages, sought permission from the police to release the pigeon. The police station, responding on Monday, conveyed that the bird had been held for medicinal and safekeeping purposes, the inquiry concluded, and if medically stable, there was no objection to its release.
The hospital expressed relief at the release, and the vacated space was promptly occupied by two owls from Dadar. After confirming their well-being, the hospital intended to release them the same night. The remaining cages housed two parrots, four pigeons, and one kite.
