A migratory seagull fitted with a GPS tracking device was found injured along the Karwar coastline in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district, triggering concern among local residents as well as security agencies.
The bird was discovered on Tuesday by the Coastal Marine Police Cell at Rabindranath Tagore Beach in Karwar and was subsequently handed over to the forest department wing, police officials said.
During examination, authorities noticed that the seagull had a GPS tracker tied to its body, the NDTV reported. The device consisted of an electronic unit equipped with a small solar panel, indicating long-term tracking capability.
Officials also found an email address attached to the tracker, along with a message requesting that anyone who found the bird contact the provided ID.
Email Linked to Chinese Research Institution
According to police, the email address is linked to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which describes itself as a Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences. Authorities said efforts are underway to contact the mentioned email ID to seek clarification regarding the tracking device and its purpose.
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Confirming that the matter is being examined from several angles, the NDTV report quoted Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Deepan MN as saying, “Several angles are being examined, including whether the bird was part of a scientific research project to study migratory patterns.”
Strategic Location Adds Sensitivity
The incident has drawn heightened attention due to Karwar’s strategic importance, as the coastal town hosts one of India’s most crucial naval bases. Officials are treating the discovery with caution while verification and communication efforts continue.
