Canadian resident detained for unauthorised drone flight near Kerala synagogue

Kerala police detained a 66-year-old Canadian resident on Tuesday for flying a drone in a restricted area near Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam district. The man, originally from Punjab, was operating the unmanned aerial vehicle without authorisation in the sensitive zone surrounding the 800-year-old place of worship.

After preliminary questioning, authorities served the detainee a notice and released him. Police confirmed that the incident did not involve any security breach, though the operation of drones in high-security areas without prior clearance remains a violation of aviation regulations.

The detention comes amid heightened security measures at the synagogue following an alleged arson attack on its premises earlier this month. Investigations into the earlier incident are ongoing, while authorities have intensified surveillance in the vicinity.

The Kadavumbhagam Synagogue, one of India's oldest Jewish places of worship, has been designated as a sensitive location requiring strict access controls and security protocols. Officials have reminded the public that drone operations near protected heritage sites and security-sensitive areas require explicit permission from relevant authorities.