A pigeon previously accused of spying for China has finally been released after eight months in Indian police custody.
The bird, detained at a port in Mumbai, was suspected of carrying “messages written in a Chinese-like script” on its wings, sparking a bizarre investigation.
Initially facing serious charges of espionage, the pigeon went through a lengthy eight-month investigation by authorities.
The Indian branch of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) expressed concern about the long detention, calling it “astonishing.”
Thankfully, the investigation concluded with no evidence of wrongdoing, clearing the pigeon’s name.
The bird, now free and reportedly in good health, was released from its hospital confinement on Wednesday.
This isn’t the first time pigeons in India have found themselves entangled in espionage concerns.
In 2016, a pigeon carrying a threatening message to Prime Minister Modi was detained near the Pakistan border.
Another, in 2010, was held under armed guard for allegedly carrying a “special mission of spying” due to a suspicious ring and markings.
