Non-Resident Indian Detained for Flying Drone Near Kochi Synagogue and Naval Base

Mattancherry police detained a 66-year-old man for flying a drone without required permissions in a high-security zone near the Mattancherry synagogue on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Details of the Arrest

The detained individual is Ashu Kumar Khanna from Amritsar, who is currently settled in Ontario, Canada. Authorities booked him under Sections 289 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alongside Sections 22 and 49 of the Drone Rules. Police released him later after serving him a notice.

High-Security Location

According to the First Information Report, the drone was flown over a sensitive area that includes the synagogue, Coast Guard facilities, and INS Dronacharya, which is the Indian Navy's premier gunnery and missile training establishment.

Context

This security breach follows a recent alleged arson attack at the 800-year-old Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam, where Kochi City police previously invoked the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act against the main accused, Ebin Paul.