Google Maps Team Assaulted in Kanpur Over Theft Fears

A Google Maps survey team, outsourced from Tech Mahindra, was attacked by villagers in Birhar village, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday night after being mistaken for thieves. The incident, which unfolded during a routine street-mapping operation, highlights growing local concerns over recent thefts in the area.

The team was using a camera-mounted vehicle to capture images for Google Maps when residents, suspicious of the unfamiliar vehicle and its rooftop camera, confronted them around 10 PM. Locals, already on edge due to a spate of thefts reportedly involving nighttime vehicles, blocked the team’s path and questioned their intentions. Tensions escalated into a physical altercation, with villagers assaulting the team before police from the Sadh police station intervened.

“We were mapping the village with permission from the DGP, but the locals misunderstood our work and attacked us,” said a team member, who requested anonymity. The team was taken to the Birhar police outpost for questioning, where they clarified their purpose, calming the situation. No formal complaints were filed by the team, and the villagers were pacified and dispersed peacefully, according to Kanpur police.

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The police statement noted, “After inquiry, we confirmed the team was conducting Google mapping. The situation is under control, with no law and order issues.” The incident underscores the need for better coordination, as the team had not informed local authorities or residents about the survey, conducted late at night to avoid traffic disruptions. Recent thefts, including a reported burglary in a neighboring village last month, have heightened local vigilance, contributing to the misunderstanding.

This is not the first time Google Maps teams have faced such issues in India. In 2023, a similar incident occurred in Madhya Pradesh, where villagers mistook a survey team for robbers. Experts suggest tech companies coordinate with local police and village leaders to prevent such conflicts, especially in rural areas with limited awareness of mapping operations.

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