LUCKNOW, Oct. 3 -- The rumours of drone thieves across rural Uttar Pradesh have started taking a toll as a 38-year-old man was lynched by a group on suspicion, in a Rae Bareli village, on Wednesday night, senior police officials said on Friday.

The fear of drone thieves has significantly impacted daily life in rural UP. Villagers are staying awake at night, keeping watch for potential threats, while others have installed terrace lights to 'scare off suspected drones'. Despite the widespread fear, there is no conclusive evidence linking drones to thefts but the state police have taken steps to address the situation, including maintaining a drone register and banning unauthorised night flights.

The recent incident took place at midnight o...