Pigeon suspected of being a spy is released after 8 months of 'detention'

According to The Times of India , the bird was captured eight months ago, with illegible characters written in what looked like Chinese characters on its wings.

Initially, the pigeon was suspected of being used by China as a spy. However, during the investigation, the police dropped the charges after discovering that the pigeon had participated in a racing event in Taiwan and had accidentally flown to India.

Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Veterinary Hospital released the pigeon in good health after receiving permission from the Indian police.

“Like all birds, pigeons should be free to fly in the sky, forage for food and raise their young in pairs,” said Poorva Joshipura, executive director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). “PETA India is grateful to the veterinary hospital for caring for this pigeon for many months and working hard to rehome it,” he added.

This is not the first time a bird has been suspected of spying in India. In 2020, police in Kashmir released a pigeon owned by a Pakistani fisherman after discovering it was not carrying spy gear. In 2016, another pigeon was captured after it was found with a note threatening Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ABC reported.