PIA-marked plane-shaped balloon recovered in Rajouri, probe underway

Police in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Tuesday seized an aeroplane-shaped balloon bearing the inscription of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) , officials said, in an unusual incident that has drawn attention amid heightened vigilance along the border.

The red and white balloon with PIA written in English and Urdu was discovered in Sarhoti village , within the area of Dharamsal Police Station , after local residents spotted the object and informed authorities. Officers from Police Post Teryath reached the site, secured the area and took the balloon into custody for further examination, they added. Rajouri police later said no electrical or electronic components were found affixed to the balloon , suggesting it did not carry any device or mechanism.

The unusual find has revived memories of similar recoveries in the region in recent weeks. On February 23 , two balloons were recovered in Gunara village in the Akhnoor sector near Jammu, one carrying a Pakistani ₹5,000 currency note and the other a US dollar note . Officials at the time suggested the balloons may have drifted across the border with the winds, though the exact origin and intent remained unclear.

Security forces are analysing the recovered balloon to determine how it arrived in Indian territory and whether it was inadvertently carried by air currents from across the border or had another purpose. Investigators have so far found no electronic or suspicious attachments, and are expected to review weather patterns and wind trajectories as part of their probe.

The incidents come amid continued security concerns along the international border and Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, where unusual airborne objects have periodically sparked alertness among police and defence personnel.

Further statements from senior officials and the outcome of the ongoing investigation are awaited.