A pigeon carrying a metal ring inscribed with a code apparently linked to Bangladesh was rescued from Kashipada village under Baisinga police station limits in Betnoti block of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, triggering curiosity and concern among local residents.
The pigeon was spotted near the house of Harish Chandra Puhan in Kashipada village on Tuesday afternoon. On examining the bird, the family noticed a blue-coloured metal ring fitted to one of its legs. The ring reportedly carried the inscriptions ‘BAN-2024’ and ‘701831’.
After news of the unusual pigeon spread, a number of local residents gathered to see the bird. Suspecting that the ‘BAN’ marking could indicate a connection with Bangladesh, Srikash Puhan, son of Harish Chandra Puhan, informed Baisinga police. He later took the pigeon to the police station.
After being informed about the incident, Betnoti SDPO Minati Biswal and Baisinga police station officer Babashankar Saraf reportedly examined the code and number engraved on the ring.
Based on the ‘BAN’ marking, police have initially suspected that the pigeon could have originated from Bangladesh and may have been released or tagged in 2024. However, the significance of the number ‘701831’ has not yet been established.
Police are now investigating where the pigeon came from, why the ring carries the particular code and whether there is any other significance or mystery associated with it. Further details are expected to emerge after the ongoing inquiry.
The unusual discovery initially created an atmosphere of anxiety and speculation in the village. Attention is now focused on the police investigation to determine the origin of the pigeon and the purpose of the coded ring.