Pigeons With Chinese Badge On Legs Found In Odisha, Fuel Espionage Speculations

Pigeons with rings attached to their legs have been found in several parts of Odisha in the last few days, raising suspicions of an espionage ploy by China using the unsuspecting avian species.

People are anxious and suspicious of these rare pigeons caught in Puri, Kendrapara and Rajgangpur.

A family in Rajgangpur recently caught hold of one such pigeon with a ring on its leg. Suspicious of the winged creature, the family members informed the local police. 

“We found the pigeon a bit different as it didn’t fly away with the other birds. Upon checking, we found a ring attached to its leg with a Chinese tag. We then informed the police,” said Sarbeswar Chhotray of Kansabahal area in Rajgangpur who had caught the pigeon.

However, the local police suspect it could be a racing bird. 

Another such pigeon with rings on both legs was caught near Puri-Konark Defence Road. While a serial number was scribbled on one of the rings, the other bore a symbol in foreign language.

Alok Palei of Puri, who suspects that the birds could be used by the Chinese for spying, said, “Codes in the form of rings have been attached to the legs of the pigeons. It’s strange. The birds could be Chinese spy.” 

Meanwhile, Retired Odisha Police official (Pigeon Service), Nihar Ranjan Biswal said, “If the badges don't have any letter, camera, electronic device or chip attached to it, there is nothing to worry.”

Biswal further said that people sometimes put badges on domestic birds for identification.