The squad will have four units across the state and each unit will have an assault team for special operations.
₹18 crore was sanctioned to procure hi-tech intelligence-gathering devices, analyzing tools, and digital forensic equipment.
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 ₹60.12 crores to establish the unit.
Further, ₹18 crores were sanctioned to procure hi-tech intelligence-gathering devices, analysing tools, and digital forensic equipment. The personnel working in the ATS will receive 10 percent of basic pay or ₹20,000, whichever is less, as special pay. Advanced weapons were also sanctioned for the squad.
As per the GO, the ATS will get at least 89 new vehicles for their use and its members will be allowed to travel by air, in cases of emergency.
A senior police official stated that exemplary constables from the Tamil Nadu Special Police units and Armed Reserve Police units would be inducted into the squad.
“Apart from the regular training, the personnel including the officers will be provided special training to handle all types of advanced weapons, bomb diffusion, and counter operations in all terrains and any tough situations. Further, courses regarding the terrorism acts and law provisions will also be taught in the training”, a senior IPS Officer told South First.
He also stated that the duration of the training would be two years. “The recruitment process has begun and willingness was asked from the officers to join the squad. All cadets of the squad will be hand-picked,” the officer added.
Trainers from ATS units of other state and central forces are also appointed to provide specific training to the squad, apart from the in-house trainers.
The squad will have four units across the state, in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tirunelveli and each unit will have an assault team for special operations.
According to sources, a team of senior IPS officers visited Mumbai, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh to learn more about the training and functioning of their respective ATSs. Further, the intel on terror acts will be shared with the squads of the neighbouring states.
Chief Minister MK Stalin announced in the Tamil Nadu Assembly that a special unit to curb terrorism would be formed, following the suicide attack in Coimbatore last year.
On 23 October last year, Jamesha Mubeen — an IS sympathiser — blew up his car filled with the improvised explosive device (IED) in front of Sangameswarar temple in Kottaimedu in Coimbatore.
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