A family in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, known for their long-standing tradition of pigeon racing, reported a theft of 400 pigeons from their terrace on February 17, 2024, morning.

The pigeons, valued at approximately Rs 10 lakh, belonged to Mohd Qayyum, a 65-year-old resident who has been engaged in the sport of "kabootarbazi" for several generations.

Qayyum, who has raised and trained pigeons of exotic breeds for years, discovered the theft during his routine morning visit to the terrace.

"I found 400 pigeons missing and was totally shattered. Then I realised they could have been taken away by thieves on Sunday night. Some of the stolen pigeons belong to rare foreign breeds and have participated in several competitions," Times Of India reported quoting Qayyum.

He immediately informed the police, who have since launched an investigation into the incident.

According to Meerut Superintendent of Police (SP) City, Ayush Vikram Singh, a formal complaint has been registered at Lisadi Gate police station.

Singh confirmed that officers are actively investigating the case.

"CCTV footage of the surrounding areas is being scanned to identify the culprits. Prima facie, they used a ladder to climb up the terrace. They had come only for Qayyum's pigeons. Except for the birds, they did not steal anything else from his house," TOI report further added.

Qayyum noted that his pigeons were a well-known attraction among bird enthusiasts.

"Bird lovers often came to see them. It is shocking how the thieves managed to disappear with hundreds of pigeons from the terrace without anyone noticing," he remarked.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

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