A security scare unfolded in Madhya Pradesh's Bhind district on Sunday evening after a drone was spotted flying above the helipad moments before Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav's helicopter was scheduled to take off from Dandraua Dham.

The Chief Minister had completed his visit to the temple and boarded the helicopter along with Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Patel, Renewable Energy Minister Rakesh Shukla, and BJP district president Devendra Narwaria. However, the pilot reportedly refused to take off after noticing a drone hovering over the helipad, citing security concerns.

The helicopter remained grounded for nearly 10 minutes while security agencies and police launched an immediate search of the surrounding area.

Drone Operator Located on Temple Rooftop

During the search, police identified Raghavendra Khemaria, who was allegedly operating the drone from the rooftop of the temple premises. Officials immediately asked him to land the drone and took him into custody for questioning before handing the matter over to Mehgaon police for further investigation.

According to preliminary findings, Khemaria regularly records videos and photographs of temple activities for his YouTube channel and other social media platforms. Authorities are also examining how he gained access to the restricted security zone during the Chief Minister's visit.

Security Protocol Under Scanner

Officials said the drone was reportedly being flown while the Chief Minister was meeting the temple's head priest after offering prayers. Police are now investigating whether prior permission had been obtained for operating the drone and whether standard security protocols were violated.

Bhind CSP Niranjan Rajput confirmed that police acted immediately after receiving information about the drone flying over the helipad during the helicopter's take-off preparations.

Digital Devices Seized

Police later questioned Khemaria and subsequently released him. However, his drone, mobile phone and other digital equipment have been seized for forensic examination.

Mehgaon police station officials said the investigation is ongoing and further action will depend on the findings regarding permissions, security clearance and compliance with drone operation rules.

Temple Management Responds

The Dandraua Dham temple management maintained that Raghavendra Khemaria is an authorised member of the temple staff and manages the shrine's official YouTube channel. They said he has been documenting temple activities for a long time.

Investigators are now verifying whether his drone operation had official approval and whether any lapse occurred in implementing security arrangements during the Chief Minister's visit.