Mangaluru– To bolster law enforcement capabilities and improve response during unrest, Special Task Force (STF) personnel across three coastal districts, including Dakshina Kannada, underwent practical riot-control training at Nehru Maidan on Wednesday.
The session focused on familiarising officers with anti-riot weaponry, including stun shells and crowd-dispersal guns. The drill was designed to prepare the force for tackling violent protests or communal tensions effectively and with precision.
Around 95 STF personnel from the operational unit actively participated in the live demonstrations, gaining hands-on experience in managing high-pressure scenarios during public disorder.
In parallel, a select group from the intelligence and legal wings of the STF received focused training on social media monitoring and intelligence gathering. This component emphasized identifying hate speech and tracking sensitive digital content that could incite violence or disrupt public peace.
The session was conducted under the supervision of senior police officials, with guidance from the Commissioner of Police and DIG, STF, Mangaluru City. The training aligns with the broader mission to strengthen communal harmony and maintain stability in the region.
Officials stated that such preparedness initiatives are critical in ensuring swift and effective action during volatile situations, both on the ground and in the digital realm.