Operation Black Rose: Why police, commandos stormed Delhi malls, shopping complexes last night

Image courtesy: ANI

New Delhi: Police swooped in on prominent malls and shopping complexes in the national capital on Tuesday night in what is being described as a massive security drill ahead of the New Year's Eve.

The mock drill was conducted at several locations across the city by the Delhi Police.

According to NDTV, the drill was code named 'Operation Black Rose'.

The drill, which caused panic among people briefly, was conducted at several prominent malls, marketplaces and shopping complexes, including DLF Promenade and Ambience Mall in south Delhi's Vasant Kunj.

Apart from the malls, Palika Bazar in Connaught Place and Hotel Eros International in Nehru Place were also evacuated as part of the anti-terror exercise.

Commandos, Delhi Police, fire department and other essential services all conducted the exercise in coordination.

Officials said the drill focused on checking security preparedness at such places after 9 pm as the crowds for the year-end revelries are expected to swell during the late evening hours.

"To conduct these mock drills, the joint commissioners of all police ranges in the city were instructed in advance and the entire operation was carried out under the supervision of Special Police Commissioner (Law and Order)," said a senior police official.

"The drills were held to enhance our preparedness ahead of New Year's Eve to deal with any potential threats," the official added.