TN forms first Anti-Terrorism Squad with 383 police personnel
In a move to curb and counter the radical elements in the state, the Tamil Nadu government accorded sanction to set up an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
A Government Order (GO) — dated 18 November — issued in this regard stated that the squad would function under the control of an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (Intelligence).
The squad will have jurisdiction power throughout the state, and the wing will function with the support of the police stations in the state, concerning offences under specific Acts and sections of Indian Penal Code proposed by the department.
The squad will operate with a total strength of 383 personnel headed by an officer with Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank. It will have five Additional Superintendents of Police (ADSP), 13 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP), 31 inspectors, and 61 sub-inspectors. The unit will also comprise 36 ministerial staff to support the administration and managerial works.
According to sources, out of the total strength, half of the personnel will be inducted into the squad from the special investigation wing of the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID). Further, a separate intelligence cell will be formed in the ATS and the squad will also take the support of the other intel cells.
The state had allotted Rs 60.12 crores to establish the unit.