Commandos storm coach, free ‘flyers' in anti-hijack drill
2
3
Kolkata: Commandos stormed an aircraft, overpowered two hijackers and freed 25 passengers and the crew in an hour-long operation at Kolkata airport. Although the hijacking of the flight from Raipur to Guwahati and the anti-hijacking operation was an enactment for a drill to check Kolkata airport's preparedness, the response was real.
An ATC message at 10.30 am about a hijack on board Flight ABC of airline XYZ led to airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria convening the aerodrome committee meeting. While state home secretary Nandini Chakravorty joined in person, others who attended included officers from IB, NSG, Eastern Command and Fort William, CISF, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, and key AAI officials. Two-hundred people participated in the exercise.
"Captained by a woman pilot, the plane landed at the airport at 10.45 am. It was taken to the isolation bay, where commandos surrounded it. A control room was activated, contact was established with the two hijackers, and negotiations commenced. Officials were outside to brief the media and take care of friends and relatives of passengers held hostage," said an official. An IndiGo passenger coach was used as a mock plane.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed!
IC Markets
Start Now
Undo
Even as the negotiation was underway, a passenger fell ill. The negotiator at the control room managed to convince the terrorists to release the passenger for medical treatment. Once they agreed, an ambulance moved in with commandos posing as medical staff and overpowered the two hijackers. After the passengers were freed, the operation was called off at 11.15 am.
Sources said observers were strategically placed around the exercise site to check the response of various agencies to the emergency.
A few deficiencies were also noted that will be addressed before the next exercise around six months later. "The simulated exercise was conducted at the airport to test and improve the response capabilities of various security agencies and stakeholders in case a plane is hijacked.
The drill simulated real-world scenarios, allowing for the evaluation of response times, communication protocols, and tactical strategies.
Measures taken during any eventuality of hijacking were deliberated in a subsequent meeting," an official said.
A security agency officer said such drills helped familiarise participants with the SOP. "The drills facilitate better coordination and communication between different agencies, ensuring a unified response. The drill helps identify and address the weakness in the existing security measures. Regular drills contribute to a more robust and vigilant security system, enhancing the safety of flyers and airport staff," he said.
The airfield environment management committee was also chaired by the state home secretary, in which multiple issues, including garbage clearance, threat of bird strikes, laser interference in aircraft cockpits, drone activities and drainage issues ahead of the monsoon, were discussed.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Brother's Day wishes
,
messages
and quotes !
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
26/11 attack probe: Accused Tahawwur Rana's judicial custody extended; supplementary chargesheet under review
26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana NEW DELHI: 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Hussain Rana's judicial custody was extended till September 8, according to a ruling by a Special NIA Court on Wednesday. Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, is a close associate of main 26/11 conspirator David Coleman Headley alias Dawood Gilani, an American citizen. He was extradited from the United States after the US Supreme Court on April 4 dismissed his review plea against the extradition. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) produced Rana via video conference after his earlier judicial custody, set to end on August 13, expired. The case is currently at the stage of document scrutiny following the agency's filing of a supplementary chargesheet. On July 15, the court heard his application seeking a telephonic call with his family. Rana faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, waging war against India, and planning terrorist acts under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The NIA alleges his involvement with Headley, a key figure in the Mumbai attacks who is currently imprisoned in the US. Investigators believe Rana may provide information about reconnaissance visits to Indian cities before the attacks, his communication with Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives, and possible links to leaders of LeT, Harkat-ul Jihadi Islami, and Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on a railway station, two luxury hotels, and a Jewish centre in Mumbai after entering the city through the sea route. The nearly 60-hour assault killed 166 people, including foreigners, before it was ended by National Security Guard commandos. In May 2010, Ajmal Kasab , the only gunman captured alive, was convicted of waging war against India and other charges, and was hanged in November 2012.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Karnataka man loses Rs 10 lakh in online stock market scam after Facebook link trap
UDUPI: A man from Kirimanjeshwara alleged that he was duped of over Rs 10 lakh in an online investment scam after being lured through a Facebook link into a WhatsApp group promising lucrative stock market tips. The complainant, Altaf Hussain , 42, stated that on July 5, he clicked on a link received on his Facebook account, which led him to join a WhatsApp group named 'Next Billion Technology.' In this group, a woman identified as Parinithi Jain introduced herself and her company, giving the office address as Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru. She sent WhatsApp messages providing daily information about the Indian stock market. In the same group, Anup Tiwari regularly provided updates on all Indian stocks. Later, on July 10, Parinithi sent a link to the complainant's mobile number related to a website. She directed him to register his name on the site, after which she provided him with a login ID and password. Believing in the company's credibility, the complainant purchased shares and IPOs online, allegedly transferring a total of Rs 10.15 lakh from his bank account via PhonePe and to the UPI ID provided into various bank accounts shared by her on WhatsApp. On Aug 5, when the complainant checked the website, it showed that his investment along with the profits grew to a total of Rs 75.42 lakh. However, when he tried to withdraw the amount, he found that his website account was blocked. When he asked Parinithi about this, she told him that 20% commission had to be paid to the company. Even after the complainant requested that the commission be deducted and the remaining amount be paid to him, she refused. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Secret Lives of the Romanovs — the Last Rulers of Imperial Russia! Learn More Undo Becoming suspicious, the complainant claimed that he visited the company's address in Bengaluru, only to discover that no such company existed and that he was cheated. A case was registered at Byndoor Police Station, under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act, and Sections 318(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Delhi turns fortress for Independence Day: 10K cops, headcount cameras, under-vehicle checks & anti-drone systems in major security upgrade; Red Fort entry through invitation card only
NEW DELHI: More than 10,000 police personnel and 3,000 traffic cops, aided by hi-tech surveillance, including under-vehicle systems, FRS and ANPR cameras, are being deployed in Delhi as the national capital gears up for Independence Day, an official said on Tuesday. With just two days left for Independence Day, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak from the Red Fort, security at the historic site will be tighter than ever. Along with heavy police presence, the area will be monitored through CCTV cameras, drone detection systems, and facial recognition technology, a senior officer said. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Gold Rates Today in Delhi | Silver Rates Today in Delhi For the first time, under-vehicle surveillance systems (UVSS) will be used at five parking areas near the Red Fort to scan the underside of vehicles for explosives, weapons, or contraband. These systems use cameras and scanners to detect any possible threats. Entry to the Red Fort on August 15 will be by invitation only, and only marked vehicles will be allowed nearby. Special cameras will count the crowd, track unattended objects, and detect any intrusion into restricted zones. Delhi Police Commissioner S B K Singh has ordered all senior officers to be extra alert. Snipers and rooftop surveillance teams will guard nearby buildings, and movement in restricted areas will be strictly controlled. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like SRM Online MBA | India's top ranked institute SRM Online Learn More Undo Security drills, night patrols, and plain-clothes teams will be deployed in sensitive areas. Cyber units are also monitoring social media to prevent misinformation or online threats. More than 10,000 security personnel and 3,000 traffic police, along with paramilitary forces and commandos, will be on duty for Independence Day week. Anti-sabotage checks, barricades, and identity verifications will be carried out with the help of intelligence agencies. The use of drones, paragliders, UAVs, hot air balloons, and similar aerial devices has been banned in Delhi from August 2 to August 16 to prevent possible airborne attacks. Police will also patrol markets, Metro stations, bus terminals, and other busy areas. Senior officers will personally inspect arrangements, and flag marches will be held to reassure the public. From 10 pm on August 14, commercial vehicles will not be allowed into Delhi. Security has also been stepped up at railway stations, airports, inter-state bus terminals, and Metro stations, with round-the-clock checks of passengers, luggage, and IDs. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
