A 24-year-old man from Hyderabad was apprehended for unlawfully operating a drone in the prohibited forest area of Coonoor, Nilgiris district, according to official reports.
The individual, identified as Shiva Praveen, was caught manipulating the drone within the confines of the Government Reserve Forest at around 5:30 PM, leading to the imposition of a fine amounting to Rs 10,000 under the directive of a district forest officer.
Authorities underline the stringent ban on drone activities within forested areas to prevent disruptions to wildlife, exacerbated by tourists entering without authorization to capture images of the fauna. Custody has been attained and investigations are underway.
(With inputs from agencies.)