Trained in offensive driving, commandos to secure Capital
Young commandos trained to turn cars at 360 degree, experts in offensive driving and simultaneously fire AK-47 rifles will be the first responders in case of a terror attack in the city. In the backdrop of Delhi Police receiving terror threats almost every day, on Monday police inaugurated the first batch of ‘commando vehicles’ named Parakram vehicles.
Around 180 male and 10 female commandos trained by the national security guards will be deployed in the vehicles.
The Quick Reaction Team vehicles across the city are driven by civilians and are manned by local police officials. The QRT vehicles are also not Delhi Police vehicles but old Ambassador and Gypsy cars hired from a private agency.
The 10 commando vehicles have been parked across 10 locations identified by the police, identified as vulnerable to terror attacks. Special commissioner of police (operations), Dependra Pathak, said that in the coming months, the fleet size will be increased. A separate unit of trained mobile commandos as first respondents has also been planned. “These commandos will not be bothered with regular law and order duties. They will be in touch with PCR teams and reach the spot within minutes of any emergency,” said Pathak. The commando vehicles are parked at Vijay Chowk, Palika Bazar, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple and Jhandewalan among other places.
Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik said the initiative is aimed at enhancing anti-terrorism measures. “Our force has SWAT vehicles. Parakram vehicles will increase our preparedness. More such locations will be identified and Parakram vehicles will be placed there.”
The drivers are trained in offensive driving by the National Security Guard for 45 days.
TERROR ALERT
On Thursday, police stations across the city received an alert about 20-21 Lashkar e-Toiba militants entering India and setting base in Mumbai, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi. The advisory on increasing the security alert was sent by the special cell, which handles terror-related cases. The special cell officer has asked police to increase security at malls, shopping complexes, auditoriums and market places.