Using Drones Near Taj Mahal? It Can Land You in Jail

File image of the Taj Mahal. Image used for representational purpose. 

(Photo: iStock)

The UP police on Sunday decided to charge tourists who use drones to capture footage of the Taj Mahal, after numerous warnings failed to deter them, under various sections of the IPC, the Times of India reported.

According to the report, officials have told the Times of India that drones were spotted about 20 times around the monument in 2017, and despite the initiation of criminal action against drone users, the police have not taken any action till date.

Quoting the city superintendent of police, Kunwar Anupam Singh said the person would be booked under sections 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC, if they are caught using drones around the monument.

TOI further noted that this development in the usage of drones to capture the monument has been prohibited for security reasons. The police even plans on starting awareness campaigns to make sure that the people know of the implications before deciding to use drones.

"We are contacting hotel owners and their associations and briefing them about this and are advising them to make their guests aware about this prohibition," Kunwar Anupam Singh was quoted by TOI as saying.

(With inputs from Times of India)