Following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina‘s government in Bangladesh, Indian security forces were on high alert as Hasina traveled to India for safety aboard an Air Force jet. According to sources, Indian Air Force radars detected a low-flying aircraft entering Indian airspace around 3 PM and monitored its approach.
The aircraft was permitted entry into India as the security personnel were aware of its occupants. To ensure the plane’s security, two Rafale fighter jets from the 101 Squadron at the Hashimara air base in West Bengal were dispatched to escort it as it flew over Bihar and Jharkhand.
The aircraft’s journey was closely observed, with continuous communication between the plane and senior Indian security officials on the ground. Both the Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, and the Army Chief, Gen Upendra Dwivedi, were closely overseeing the situation.
A high-level security meeting was convened, involving intelligence agency heads, Gen Dwivedi, and Integrated Defence Staff Chief Lt Gen Johnson Philip Mathew.
Upon landing at Hindan air base around 5:45 PM, Sheikh Hasina was met by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who held a detailed hour-long discussion with her regarding the situation in Bangladesh and her next steps. Following this meeting, Doval briefed the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was kept updated on the day’s developments.