Photographer Booked for Unauthorized Drone Use During Ganesh Procession in Mumbai

A professional photographer was booked for allegedly flying a drone without permission during the arrival procession of the 'Umarkhadicha Raja' Ganesh idol in Parel in central Mumbai, a police official said on Monday.The drone was operated at around 4:30pm on Sunday over Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road through which the procession was passing, he said.

Ganesh festivities will begin on September 7 and several mandals have begun bringing in idols for installation in processions in which several thousand people participate.

"The drone, which was flying at a height of around 15 feet, was noticed by police personnel on duty at the site of the procession. It was being operated despite prohibitory orders that ban the use of drones, paragliders, remote-operated microlight aircraft as well as air balloons from September 1 to 29 as a precautionary measure," the official informed.

A team of Bhoiwada police station tracked down a 22-year-old professional photographer, who was operating it from a footpath, and took him into custody, the official said.

"He said he had come from Kalwa in neighbouring Thane district and accepted he had no permission to operate the drone. He was booked for violating prohibitory orders in place and his drone was confiscated. He has been served a notice for this act and further probe is underway," the Bhoiwada police station official added.