Moradabad, July 19 -- Panic has gripped the rural areas of Moradabad division as villagers claim to spot a mysterious flying object with blinking lights during the night hours.

Locals believe it to be a drone used for criminal surveillance, possibly preceding thefts. This fear has spread across the villages of Rampur, Amroha, Sambhal, and Moradabad.

Armed with sticks and flashlights, villagers are forming night patrol groups and staying awake till dawn. Viral videos on social media show a blinking object flying in the sky, which residents insist is a drone scouting the area.

Ran Vijay Singh, Additional SP (City), Moradabad, addressed the issue and speaking to ANI said, "For the past few days, we have been getting reports from the rural...