NSG starts 4-day security drill at Kalighat temple
Times of India | 25 August 2026
Kolkata: The National Security Guard (NSG) on Monday began a four-day security reconnaissance of Kalighat temple, conducting a detailed security assessment and 3D mapping of the high-footfall shrine amid heightened concerns over threats to crowded religious places.
A 13-member NSG team, accompanied by special teams of Kolkata Police, Special Task Force (STF) and the Kolkata Police Commando Unit, began the exercise from 9.30 am on Monday. It will continue till Aug 27, officials said. “Thermal scanners were deployed and 3D images of the temple premises were captured as part of the security assessment,” an official said.
The reconnaissance team from 29 Special Composite Group (SCG) of NSG comprised one officer, two assistant commanders and 10 commandos. The team also sought details from the temple committee about the security arrangements currently in place at the shrine.
The exercise is being conducted as part of the NSG’s ongoing operational reconnaissance of vital installations and follows Kolkata Police’s decision to establish a separate police outpost at Kalighat temple to strengthen security for devotees and visitors.
In a statement, the NSG said: “As part of the ongoing operational reconnaissance of Vital Installations and in accordance with the directions of NSG headquarters, reconnaissance of Kalighat temple is being conducted by 29 SCG, NSG, from Aug 24 to 27, 2026.”
The move comes days after Kolkata Police announced the setting up of a dedicated police outpost at the temple.
The initiative, an official said, is part of the NSG’s ongoing capacity-building efforts for state police forces to enhance operational preparedness, tactical skills and counter-terrorism capabilities.