Baripada: A pigeon carrying a metal ring inscribed with a code apparently linked to Bangladesh was found in a village in Mayurbhanj district, prompting police to launch an inquiry, officials said Tuesday.
The pigeon was spotted by family members of Harish Chandra Puhan near his house at Kashipada village under Betanati block and Baisinga police station on Tuesday afternoon. A blue-coloured, brass-like ring was found attached to one of its legs, bearing the markings “BAN-2024” and “701831”.
After the information spread, several locals gathered at the spot. Suspecting that “BAN” could refer to Bangladesh, Harish Chandra Puhan’s son Srikash Puhan informed Baisinga police and later took the pigeon to the police station.
Betnoti SDPO Minati Biswal and Baisinga police station officer Babashankar Saraf examined the markings on the ring. Police have not yet established the significance of the number “701831” or confirmed the pigeon’s origin.
The inscription “BAN-2024” has led to a preliminary suspicion that the bird may have originated from Bangladesh and was released or tagged in 2024. Police are investigating the pigeon’s origin, the purpose of the ring and the significance of the code and number.
The incident initially triggered curiosity and apprehension among villagers, with attention now focused on the outcome of the police inquiry.
