Tension briefly gripped residents of Ward No. 6 under Ichailalcherra Gram Panchayat in Kadamtala on the eve of Republic Day after a suspicious electronic device was discovered near the Lalcherra sub-centre. The sudden recovery of the object triggered panic among villagers, particularly after the word “GPS” was noticed inscribed on the device, raising fears of possible security concerns in the border-adjacent area.
Upon receiving information from local residents, Kadamtala Police acted promptly and rushed to the spot. The device was seized and taken to the Kadamtala police station for closer examination. Given the sensitivity of the timing and the area’s proximity to the India–Bangladesh international border, security concerns were initially high among both residents and authorities.
However, the situation was soon clarified by Officer-in-Charge of Kadamtala Police Station, Mr. Jayanta Debnath. After a preliminary assessment, he informed that the object was a Radiosonde — a scientific instrument widely used by meteorological departments for collecting atmospheric data such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind patterns. Radiosondes are typically attached to weather balloons and are essential tools for weather forecasting and climate research.
Mr. Debnath further explained that due to prevailing wind patterns and the close proximity to the international border, the device could have drifted into the area either from Tripura’s Meteorological Department or from meteorological services operating in neighboring Bangladesh. He assured the public that the device posed no threat to public safety and that there was no link to any unlawful or anti-national activity.
Police authorities stated that while there is no immediate cause for concern, further verification is being carried out to determine the exact origin of the device. The clarification and timely response by the police helped calm the situation and ease public anxiety.
With the matter under control, residents expressed relief, and Republic Day celebrations in the area proceeded peacefully and without any disruption.
