Hyderabad: Director General of Police (DGP) CV Anand conducted a comprehensive review of the Greyhounds and Octopus commando units on Thursday. During the review, the top police official instructed the leadership of these elite units to maintain operational readiness. He also informed them about the repatriation of a significant portion of the Greyhounds anti-naxal force to other police wings, citing a rapid decline in Maoist activity.
Review of Greyhounds Headquarters
Anand first visited the Greyhounds headquarters in Premavathipet, where he conducted a thorough assessment of the elite anti-naxal commando force's operational and administrative functioning. Following the review, the DGP commended the performance and sacrifices of the Greyhounds over the years in curbing naxal activities.
Currently, the Greyhounds force comprises approximately 1,600 personnel. Anand informed officers that a proposal to repatriate 708 posts of Greyhounds to their parent units—Armed Reserve and Special Police Battalions—is pending with the government. Once approved, these personnel will be reassigned to other police wings as needed.
Visit to Octopus Commando Training Centre
DGP Anand also visited the Octopus commando training centre at Ibrahimpatnam, where he reviewed the functioning and operational preparedness of this elite counterterrorism force. Although Octopus has a sanctioned strength of about 600 personnel, it currently operates with approximately 400 personnel.
During the visit, Anand assessed the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams and the training wing. Greyhounds and Octopus Director General Anil Kumar briefed the DGP on the periodic mock exercises conducted by Octopus units at sensitive installations and locations, as well as the specialized training provided for handling advanced weapons during operations.
Strategic Advice and Assurance
The DGP advised the force to plan and strengthen operational strategies for both existing airports and upcoming airport facilities. Anand assured that both elite commando forces would continue to receive maximum support from the government and the police department to further enhance their capabilities.
