A political storm erupted in Mumbai on Sunday morning after a drone was reportedly sighted hovering close to former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s residence, Matoshree, in Bandra. The incident, which occurred around dawn, triggered security concerns and raised serious questions about privacy and surveillance.
According to reports, security personnel stationed outside the Thackeray residence spotted the drone circling nearby and promptly informed the family. A short video of the drone’s flight has also surfaced, intensifying speculation about its purpose.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders suspect that the drone may have been used for surveillance and are planning to lodge a formal police complaint demanding an investigation.
Shortly after the reports emerged, Mumbai Police issued a clarification, saying that drone operations were being carried out in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Kherwadi areas with due permission from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Officials stated that the drones were part of an authorised aerial survey and urged citizens not to spread “unverified claims.”
However, the clarification did not satisfy Aditya Thackeray, who accused authorities of evading key questions. Taking to social media, he said, “A drone was seen peeping into our home early this morning. Once the media began asking questions, the MMRDA said it was a survey drone with police permission. What kind of survey allows peeping into private homes and fleeing when spotted?”
Thackeray demanded to know why residents were not informed beforehand if an official survey was being conducted in the vicinity. “If this was a sanctioned operation, why was there no prior communication? Was the MMRDA surveying the entire BKC area — or just Matoshree?” he asked.
In a sharp rebuke, Thackeray urged the MMRDA to focus on its core responsibilities rather than aerial monitoring. “Instead of conducting surveillance, the MMRDA should complete its pending and corruption-ridden projects like the MTHL (Atal Setu). Citizens deserve accountability, not excuses,” he said.
