Rajasthan: In a surprising turn of events during the ‘Operation Shield’ mock drill in Rajasthan, several officers — including the district collector and superintendent of police — were attacked by a swarm of bees at the Kalisindh Dam in Jhalawar.
The incident occurred as authorities were simulating a drone strike scenario as part of the large-scale emergency preparedness exercise.
The drill coincided with a statewide blackout observed at different intervals, including in border districts adjacent to Pakistan. Citizens participated by switching off lights in their homes, shops, and vehicles, plunging many areas into temporary darkness. In Jaipur, a blackout was observed from Khatipura Road to Hasanpura at 8:15 pm, following a mock airstrike simulation.
The bee attack unfolded during a staged drone assault at the dam, escalating into a real emergency as officers fled the scene to avoid stings. Elsewhere, realistic mock drills continued, including at a government school in Jaipur, where a simulation of a missile strike on a military residential colony took place. District Collector Dr Jitendra Soni reported that rescue operations were demonstrated, involving the retrieval of mock casualties and people trapped on rooftops, some of whom were rescued using cranes.
In Sikar, four explosions were simulated at Kalyan Medical College. Emergency services, including the fire brigade, police, ambulance, and civil defence teams, responded swiftly. A frightened young girl was comforted by women police officers, and mock rescue efforts included evacuating people from the fifth floor using ropes.
NCC cadets actively participated in various drills across the state. In Ajmer, a blackout was observed from 8am to 8:30pm, with street and residential lights turned off. In Barmer, markets also shut down as part of the coordinated exercise.
The mock drills aimed to enhance preparedness for potential wartime or terror scenarios, testing coordination among emergency services, government agencies, and the public.
