Special Tactical Unit (STU), SOG, Odisha Police, Bomb Disposal Squad, Dog Squad, Fire Department and ODRF jointly participated in this exercise. According to the simulated scenario of the mock drill, two terrorists opened fire in the crowd of Rath Yatra, held some devotees captive and hid in Bagedia Dharamshala near the Shrimandir. The injured in the incident were first taken to a safe place by the Fire Department and rescue teams and after providing primary treatment, they were sent to the hospital in an ambulance.
In the next phase, the STU commandos reached the top of the building with the help of a hydraulic ladder from the fire department, while two other teams entered through the roof with the help of ropes. Two sniper teams and four hit teams covered the entire operation. The location of the terrorists was first identified using a sophisticated robot. Then the stranded devotees were safely rescued and finally the terrorists were neutralized through a successful operation.
The mock drill was conducted in the morning before the Rath Yatra at a star hotel and later near the Singhadwar of the Shrimandir.
During the exercise, the relevant area was temporarily sealed for security reasons. Through this joint exercise, a strong message has been given that any possible terrorist attack can be successfully thwarted with the coordination of all security agencies and the cooperation of the common people. Officials said that the police and security forces are fully prepared to protect lakhs of devotees during the Rath Yatra.
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