The object spotted flying at a low altitude over the Viyyur Central Jail and later over parts of Thrissur city in the early hours of Friday was most likely an aircraft and not a drone, according to the police’s preliminary investigation.

The object, initially suspected to be a large drone, was first noticed over the jail around 1 a.m. on June 26. It was spotted again after 3 a.m., prompting prison authorities to alert the Viyyur police. Police personnel reached the spot and informed the city control room.

During the investigation, the police found that a similar aircraft had followed the same flight path on the previous night and was again seen the following day. Preliminary findings indicate that it was a low-flying aircraft bound for Kochi airport.

City Police Commissioner Nakul R. Deshmukh said further information was being collected and that a detailed investigation was under way to ascertain all aspects of the incident.