Seagull Fitted with Chinese GPS Tracker Found Near Karnataka Naval Facility, Investigation Launched
GPS tagged bird discovered near INS Kadamba triggers security alert Forest Department and police verify research claims
Karnataka, Dec 18 : A seagull fitted with a Chinese made GPS tracking device was found near the strategically sensitive INS Kadamba naval base in Uttara Kannada district on Tuesday, triggering security concerns and a multi-agency inquiry. The bird was spotted by the Coastal Marine Police Cell and later handed over to the Forest Department for further examination.
INS Kadamba is one of India’s most important naval facilities, hosting frontline warships, including aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, as well as key submarine assets. The proximity of the GPS-tagged bird to the base has heightened alert among security agencies and local residents.
Preliminary checks revealed that the GPS tracker is linked to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. According to initial findings, the device was reportedly attached by the Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences as part of a scientific study on migratory birds, tracking their movement patterns, feeding behaviour and migratory routes. The tracker also carried an email address and a message requesting anyone who found the bird to contact the research centre.
Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Deepan MN said the matter is being thoroughly verified and examined from multiple angles. The Coastal Marine Cell of the Forest Department is leading the inquiry, with security agencies cross-checking the authenticity of the research claim and assessing any potential security implications.
Officials said further action will depend on the outcome of the investigation and technical analysis of the tracking device.
