Pune: NSG, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police conduct anti-terror mock drill at Hinjewadi IT Park

NSG commandos, helicopter deployed in large-scale exercise in Pune (Pic/Special arrangement)

In a significant step towards strengthening urban counter-terror preparedness, the National Security Guard (NSG) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police conducted a comprehensive joint mock drill at Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Phase II, Hinjewadi, on Thursday morning.

The exercise was organised to train police personnel, private security staff and emergency response teams to effectively respond in the event of a terrorist attack at a sensitive commercial location, particularly in the rapidly developing IT hub of Hinjewadi.

According to the official press note issued by the Crime Branch of Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate, the drill was held between 10 am and 12.30 pm in the premises of Cognizant Technology Solutions, Phase II, Hinjewadi.

NSG Mumbai led the exercise

The mock drill was conducted under the guidance of NSG Mumbai, with the participation of 26 officers and commandos from the NSG's Special Composite Group. The operation also involved the use of a helicopter for tactical support and simulation purposes, making it a high-intensity and realistic training exercise.

In addition to NSG personnel, 16 commandos from the United States Army who were present for joint coordination and observation also participated in the exercise, reflecting the importance of international cooperation in counter-terror preparedness.

Multiple agencies participated

The drill witnessed participation from several key security and emergency agencies, including:

• Force One, Pune
• Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC), Pimpri-Chinchwad Police
• Special Branch
• Crime Investigation Team
• Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS)
• Officers and personnel from Hinjewadi Police Station
• Traffic Branch
• Pimpri-Chinchwad Disaster Management Department
• Security officials and employees of Cognizant
• Representatives of Akruti Developers, associated with the IT park premises

Simulation of a sudden terror strike

During the exercise, security agencies rehearsed their response to a sudden terrorist attack inside a corporate IT establishment. The drill focused on:

• Immediate threat assessment
• Isolation of the affected area
• Evacuation of employees and civilians
• Rescue operations
• Neutralisation of armed attackers
• Bomb detection and disposal procedures
• Traffic diversion and crowd management
• Coordination between police, disaster management teams and private security agencies

The objective was to evaluate response time, communication efficiency and inter-agency coordination during a high-risk emergency situation.

Focus on IT hub security

Hinjewadi is one of India's largest IT and business hubs, housing thousands of employees working in multinational companies. The authorities stated that such exercises are essential to ensure that both law-enforcement agencies and private corporate security teams remain prepared for any potential security threat.

Senior police officers said the mock drill would help identify operational gaps, improve coordination mechanisms and enhance preparedness for handling complex terror-related incidents in densely populated commercial zones.

Senior officers present

The exercise was attended by senior officials from NSG Mumbai, officers of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate, representatives of participating security agencies and officials from the concerned corporate establishments.

The press note was issued by Police Inspector Santosh Patil, Crime Branch, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate.

Police officials appealed to citizens and employees working in the Hinjewadi area not to panic during such exercises, as they are conducted purely as part of preventive security preparedness and emergency response training aimed at safeguarding public safety and critical infrastructure.