SOS commandos to be Govt's lethal weapon, says Bhujbal

SOS commandos to be Govt's lethal weapon, says Bhujbal
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

MUMBAI, JAN 22: Motorbike commandos of Mumbai police would be provided with specially designed bikes, latest communication equipment, lethal weapons, walkie-talkies and first aid kits, Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said here on Saturday.

Bhujbal, also the state Home Minister, who witnessed the show of strength by a batch of 78 motorcycle-borne commandos trained by veteran Col (retd) M P Choudhury at the Ghatkopar-Bhatwadi firing range, said the Democratic Front Government was committed to combat organised crime and in this endeavour money will not be a problem.

``When it comes to security and maintaining law and order, money will not come in the way,'' Bhujbal asserted.

Speaking to reporters, he assured that special incentives will be given to them keeping in mind the risk factor. More commandos will be inducted and the State Government wanted to strengthen the Special Operation Squad (SOS) to around 500.

Since 1991, after the training of the commandos was started, around 200 of them have joined elite SOS, said the Home Minister. ``If required, separate recruitment scheme will be made to select commandos,'' he added.

``We want commandos who would match international standards,'' he said adding that the city police force was rated next to Scotland Yard and expressed happiness over more women joining the force.

Senior police officials including Director General of Police and officiating Mumbai Commissioner of Police S S Puri, Joint Commissioner of Police (crime) D Shivanandan and Joint Commissioner of Police T K Choudhury, were present.Col Choudhury, who raised country's first anti-terrorist squad and anti-hijacking commandos, has trained SOS for Mumbai police said the course is for six weeks which involves physical training, extensive shooting practice (at least 500 rounds) and unarmed combat.

SOS are also trained in close and long-range firing with 100 per cent accurate aim, he added.