Drone surveillance intensified in Chilmari to curb crime

To curb criminal activities in remote char (river island) areas and along passenger routes in Kurigram, authorities have intensified aerial surveillance using drones.

High-risk zones such as Chilmari, Roumari, and Rajibpur in the district are now under close watch, while river routes are receiving special monitoring under the direction of the district police superintendent.

Patrols have also been strengthened by the Detective Branch (DB), river police, and local police stations, particularly on weekly market days.

Kurigram District Superintendent of Police Md Mahfuzur Rahman confirmed that continuous drone monitoring is in place to prevent crime along the Chilmari river port and waterways. He added that due to increased police activity, river robberies have been successfully prevented for a prolonged period.

According to police sources, there have been multiple robbery incidents along the Chilmari–Roumari–Rajibpur route. In response, enhanced surveillance is being conducted both on market days and others. In addition to police patrols, drones are being deployed to monitor key locations across these upazilas, and this initiative will continue.

Chilmari's Jorgachh area hosts major weekly markets on Sundays and Wednesdays. Traders travel by river from surrounding char areas and neighbouring upazilas to attend these markets.

Following three to four recent incidents of river robbery, local police have been actively working to suppress such crimes, which have now reportedly declined significantly.

On-site visits revealed that police are using drones for special surveillance at key points such as Jorgachh Haat, Ramna Ghat, Kanchkol, Fakirer Haat, and various chars in Chilmari Union.

Local residents Babu, Russel, and Pallab from Chilmari Union reported that river robberies have virtually disappeared. They expressed appreciation for the drone initiative, noting that aerial monitoring helps detect criminals or drug traffickers hiding in the bushes.

A trader named Mahfuzar said, "We no longer feel afraid to come to the market on haat days. We can now see police stationed on boats across the Brahmaputra River."