Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Security agencies test hostage-response readiness in Sundarbans drill
Security teams held a practice emergency in the Sundarbans.
They pretended that people were being held hostage inside a building.
The teams surrounded the building and entered it safely.
They rescued the pretend hostages and moved civilians away from danger.
Several different security agencies practiced working together.
They also tested communication and how quickly they could respond.
Officials said there was no real terrorist attack or hostage situation.
The Sundarbans was selected because it is a tourist destination near the Bangladesh border.
The National Security Guard, West Bengal Police Special Task Force, State Rapid Action Force and Border Security Force conducted a joint mock drill in the Sundarbans.
Security personnel cordoned off a building, rescued simulated hostages, evacuated civilians and secured the site.
The exercise tested inter-agency coordination, communication, rapid deployment and responsibility-sharing during a possible terrorist or hostage incident.
Officials said the operation was entirely simulated, although some local residents were startled by the drill.
The exercise followed a similar drill in Sandeshkhali and came amid broader security reviews and reports of arrests linked to alleged Pakistani espionage networks.
- Who
- The National Security Guard, West Bengal Police Special Task Force, State Rapid Action Force, Border Security Force and other police personnel.
- What
- A simulated operation to test preparedness for a terrorist attack or hostage situation.
- When
- On Sunday; a similar exercise was held in Sandeshkhali on Saturday.
- Where
- The Sundarbans in West Bengal.
- Why
- To assess inter-agency coordination and strengthen preparedness in a sensitive tourist region near the Bangladesh border.
- Exercise type
- Joint mock drill involving multiple security agencies
- Simulated scenario
- Hostage rescue and response to a possible terrorist attack
- Participating agencies
- National Security Guard, West Bengal Police Special Task Force, State Rapid Action Force and Border Security Force
- Key activities
- Building cordon, simulated rescue, area security and civilian evacuation
- Location rationale
- The Sundarbans is an international tourist destination near the Bangladesh border
- Related exercise
- The National Security Guard conducted a similar drill in Sandeshkhali on Saturday
- Earlier security review
- Security forces reviewed Victoria Memorial arrangements in Kolkata from August 17 to 20, including physical inspection and 3D modelling