WATCH: Suspected Chinese Spy Pigeon Released After 8 Months In Custody

A pigeon, suspected of espionage and detained by authorities for eight months, has been released after being cleared of all charges. The bird, caught at a port in Mumbai with messages inscribed in a Chinese-like script on its wings, was initially held under suspicion of being a Chinese spy. However, after an extensive investigation, the spying charges were dropped.

An unexpected addition among the eight birds housed in cages at the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals in Parel is a pigeon with no apparent injuries or signs of illness. However, its presence raised suspicions due to a message inscribed on its wings in an indecipherable language.

Believing the language to be Chinese, authorities handed over the pigeon to the hospital for medical examination. Concurrently, they sent the two rings found on its leg for forensic analysis to determine whether the bird was engaged in espionage activities within Indian territory.

Suspected Chinese Spy Pigeon Released After 8 Months In Custody

However, the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals in Parel sought police permission to release the pigeon, which was granted on January 31. The bird, found with copper and aluminium rings tied to its leg, was taken into custody by the RCF police in May last year. Despite the initial suspicions, further inquiry revealed that the pigeon had participated in racing events in Taiwan and had accidentally flown to India during one such event.

Although the pigeon spent several months in police custody, authorities finally deemed it innocent, and it was released in good health. The decision to release the bird came after formal permission from the police, indicating the conclusion of the investigation.

PETA India has released a video of the pigeon being released. Check out the video.

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This incident is reminiscent of past cases where pigeons were detained on suspicion of espionage. In 2016, border security officers apprehended a pigeon carrying a threatening message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi near the border with Pakistan. Similarly, in 2010, another pigeon was detained with a Pakistani phone number and address stamped on its body, leading to speculation about its involvement in spying activities.