Solapur to get new anti-terrorism squad

Maharashtra shares borders with Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and to counter threats from radical elements operating along the borders, the state’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is all set to open a new unit in Solapur next month. The Pune ATS unit covers Solapur, Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur cities of west Maharashtra. The new ATS unit will comprise of a police inspector, an assistant police inspector, a woman police sub-inspector and about 10 personnel from the lower ranks, sources from within the ATS said. State ATS chief Atulchandra Kulkarni confirmed the formation of the new ATS unit and said that as soon as they receive the government’s go-ahead, the unit will become functional. He added that Solapur is located on major road and rail routes and due to its location, it deserved a dedicated security apparatus. He stated that the district is located on interstate boundaries and is significant from a security perspective. According to sources, Sangli and Kolhapur will also come under the jurisdiction of the new unit. An ATS official disclosed that each of these two districts has just two ATS personnel. More attention has to be paid to these districts because they have been hubs of illegal activity.