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NSG Tests Counter-Terror Tactics at Hyderabad Film Complex

By Geopolitics Desk · 2026-09-19 · 3 min read
A wide-angle view of a vast film studio complex with multiple large sound stages under a clear sky.
Illustration: Tradingbird

A multi-phase drill at Ramoji Film City highlighted coordinated response strategies, involving hostage negotiation simulations, K-9 units, and remote explosive handling technologies.

Hyderabad hosted a significant counter-terrorism preparedness exercise on Friday, featuring commandos from the National Security Guard’s 28 Special Composite Group. The drill was staged at Ramoji Film City, a sprawling complex spanning approximately 2,000 acres, and lasted for more than three hours. According to reports from GN auto geopolitics/terrorism: counter terrorism, the event was designed to test high-intensity response protocols in a complex, multi-building environment.

The scenario simulated a coordinated terrorist attack where armed individuals seized control of two structures, trapping employees inside. The operation required the integration of various tactical elements, including building intervention, hostage management, and the deployment of specialized equipment. This joint exercise was conducted in coordination with the Telangana Police’s Organisation for Counter-Terrorist Operations, as well as the on-site security and emergency teams of the film city.

Tactical Entry And Building Clearance

The initial phase of the drill focused on specialized entry techniques to gain access to the simulated threat zones. Commandos demonstrated rappelling from heights, wall-walking, and the use of the "Spiderman" technique to approach buildings from multiple angles. Once inside, teams executed a top-down intervention strategy, clearing the structure floor by floor under low-visibility conditions. This sequence allowed the 28 Special Composite Group to rehearse close-quarters combat procedures and the navigation of internal structures during high-stakes operations.

As the scenario escalated, the exercise incorporated a simulated hostage situation. This required a coordinated approach that balanced the immediate need to contain the threat with the priority of securing the safety of trapped individuals. Negotiation teams were deployed alongside tactical units, and sniper teams were integrated into the response framework to provide overwatch and precision support. The complexity of this phase tested the ability of different units to operate simultaneously while maintaining strict operational discipline.

Integration Of K-9 And Remote Units

A critical component of the assault involved the deployment of a specially trained K-9 unit. In one specific scenario, an armed threat was positioned on the ground floor of a building. As the assault team advanced, the K-9 was utilized to engage the target, highlighting the specialized role of trained animals in high-risk security operations. This element added a dynamic dimension to the tactical response, demonstrating how biological assets can be integrated into modern counter-terrorism strategies.

The final phase addressed the management of suspected explosive threats. A suspicious bag containing simulated explosives was identified within the complex. Rather than risking personnel exposure, a remotely operated vehicle was employed to approach and render the object safe. This sequence showcased the use of specialized remote technology to mitigate hazards while keeping human operators at a safe distance, reflecting the increasing reliance on robotic assistance in modern security operations.

Coordination With On-Site Security Teams

While the NSG commandos led the tactical interventions, the drill also served to integrate Ramoji Film City’s own security infrastructure into the broader response framework. Personnel from the Command and Control Room, along with on-site security apparatus and emergency-response teams, participated in the exercise. This collaboration provided these teams with valuable experience in emergency procedures and the coordination protocols necessary for interacting with specialized counter-terror forces during a crisis.

The extensive scale of the facility allowed for a realistic testing ground for these multi-agency coordination efforts. By involving local security personnel in a high-fidelity simulation, the exercise aimed to streamline communication and response times. The forward question remains how these coordinated protocols will be maintained and further tested in the coming months, ensuring that both national security assets and local infrastructure are prepared for potential threats.

Based on reporting by ETV Bharat, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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