Lucknow, Oct. 4 -- What began as scattered rumours in a few villages in western Uttar Pradesh around three months ago have now snowballed into a statewide discussion. From talk of prowling thieves and flying drones for surveying houses across the state to whispers of a mysterious "nude gang" in Meerut's countryside, panic has spread across Uttar Pradesh, even sparking a political blame game.

The state police's 112 emergency helpline, earlier used mostly for complaints about local disputes or brawls, is now receiving frantic calls from villagers across districts about suspected thieves, drone sightings and supposedly strange movements at night. A shift staffer posted at the 112 control room confirmed such desperate calls were being receiv...