The Haryana home department is on the verge of establishing an Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), as the police department has successfully addressed all queries and objections raised by the finance department. According to sources, the government has reportedly allocated Rs 35 crore for this new specialized force.
Background and Approval Process
The home department's approved restructured staff arrangement for the ATS was under review after the finance department sought clarifications on operational costs and other technical aspects. The finance department had requested the police to provide "details of models adopted by other states" for setting up such a force. Following the attack at the Red Fort last year, the decision to establish an ATS in Haryana was taken. During the recently concluded budget session, the government allocated Rs 35 crore for this purpose.
Leadership and Strength
"An additional director general of police (ADGP)-Inspector General (IG)-level officer will lead this special force, which will have a total strength of 575 officers and personnel," said a senior official. The finance department had sought comprehensive details about the sanctioned posts, mandated work, and operational requirements of the force in its communication to the police via the home department.
Submission of Detailed Report
Officials in the Haryana police informed that Director General of Police (DGP) Ajay Singhal had submitted a detailed report to the home department for consideration by the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS). This report will be forwarded to the finance department after receiving approval from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). A senior official in the CMO remarked, "These are very small technical issues ahead of making the unit operational. Since both the departments are interlinked and are headed by the CM, hence there should not be any issue in clearance. Moreover, setting up of this unit has been mandated by the Union home ministry."
Terror Cases in Haryana
According to the latest data, 27 terror-related cases were registered in Haryana over the last two years. The majority of these cases were investigated by the Special Task Force or other district-level units. Some cases were even transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Proposed Infrastructure
The proposed ATS infrastructure includes separate office facilities, residential accommodation, transport arrangements, and advanced operational infrastructure. Plans also include a high-tech training centre equipped with indoor and outdoor firing ranges, strategic driving practice areas, obstacle-based combat training zones, and room intervention training facilities. The ATS unit is expected to be equipped with advanced surveillance technology, modern weapons, armoured vehicles, communication systems, and specialized computing devices.
