A pigeon drinking water from a tank in Gujarat's Salaya Essar Jetty. Nothing remarkable about that. Except this bird wore a metal ring on one leg. On the other, it wore a chip-like object. What followed was a hue and cry among the state's security agencies that reached Delhi within a week.
The chip-like object and the ring raised suspicion of espionage or reconnaissance for a possible terror attack, sources said. And the security guards at the under construction Salaya Bulk Terminal, who observed the bird on March 20, promptly handed it over to the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard took the bird to the police, who then took the matter Forensic Science Laboratory Gandhinagar. Thereafter, the state contacted the Centre.
It was found to be inscribed with the words "Benjing Dual (sic)" - possibly the name of a pigeon racing league based in China, where it is a popular sport.
But security agencies are yet to relax.
Forest Officials were called in to examine the bird and rule out any possible foul play.
"Further investigation" is still going on, the Centre has been assured.
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