Mock Riot Drill conducted to handle emergency situations

Raipur
Under the direction of Senior Superintendent of Police, Santosh Kumar Singh, a mock anti-riot drill was conducted on July 19, 2024, at the Raipur Line here to train on how to handle agitated protesters and rioters during adverse situations and to maintain law and order.

During the mock drill, various teams of police personnel were formed, including the tear gas party, cane party, lathi party, rifle party, and medical party, each given specific tasks and directions. Initially, the police tried to communicate and reason with the protesters, who were demonstrating for various demands. However, when the crowd became suddenly violent and started pelting stones at the police, the police first issued a warning. When the warning was ignored, tear gas shells were fired. Despite this, the crowd did not disperse, prompting the police to announce another warning. As the protesters continued to be aggressive, the police resorted to a lathi charge. Following this, on the magistrate’s order, the police fired shots to control the unruly crowd, resulting in injuries to some protesters and police personnel, who were then immediately taken to the hospital by the medical team via ambulance.

Both roles in the mock drill were played by police officers and personnel. This type of drill is periodically conducted to train the force in handling crowds and maintaining law and order during adverse situations, ensuring that police officers can safely and effectively perform their duties. During the drill, police personnel were also provided with information on various aspects of crowd control and maintaining law and order.

The exercise saw the participation of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Raipur district, Tehsildar, Naib Tehsildar, police gazetted officers, reserve inspectors, and hundreds of other officers and employees.