200-man force to protect city

Bengaluru
Nov. 25: Police commissioner Shankar M. Bidari on Wednesday said a 200-man commando force will be formed from the City Armed Reserve Police to counter any terror attack in Bengaluru. A battalion of Army commandos has already been stationed in the city on the request of the state government.
“We will provide the 200 CAR men with sophisticated weapons including AK-47 assault rifles,” Mr Bidari said. “They will act as a special commando team.” According to the commissioner, the CAR men are receiving training to tackle any untoward incident. “They will be equipped with bulletproof jackets and helmets. We have purchased a large quantity of AK-47 guns, SLR’s, bullet proof jackets and helmets” he said.
Mr Bidari said city police intelligence has stepped up operations and is tracking people with links to banned or anti-social organisations. “We have formed a network of informants to keep vigil on suspicious people or organizations,” he said.
Asked where the special force and Army battalion will be stationed, Mr Bidari said the commandos will not be deployed at any particular place. “They will be posted in sensitive areas, at big commercial complexes and in IT and BT zones,” he said. The police will hold meetings with company officials to enhance internal security at their facilities.