Octopus pitches for UAV to handle terror attacks

[hkdas]

The Organization for Counter Terrorist Operations (Octopus) wants to procure an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to boost its capacity in effectively handling terror attacks in Telangana. In his demands for budgetary grants from the government, home minister Nayani Narasimha Reddy has proposed that the Octopus be granted Rs 26.07 crore during the financial year 2015-16.

While furnishing information on physical targets and achievements for the fiscal, the IG, Octopus, has stated that “combating terrorism is the main mission of Octopus, especially as terror threat evolves from use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in public places, hostage situations and firing on public to send terror message”.

As per the information furnished to the assembly, in addition to using funds for spill over construction works at the Commando Training Centre for Octopus at the 570-acre facility at Ibrahimpatnam, the counter terror agency officials want to use the money towards purchase of arms and ammunition, special equipment for commandoes and purchase of special purpose vehicles like an UAV and fire tender.

“Octopus is a unit raised to counter terrorist attacks. We want the unit to be absolutely ready to handle any terror situation effectively and for that we to procure an UAV,” a source from Octopus said.

According to the home department data, Octopus has so far identified 115 vulnerable areas, including iconic buildings, commercial buildings, defence establishments and other highly sensitive likely targets of terrorists in the state. According to the sources, some of the possible terror targets shortlisted by the Octopus included Cyber Towers, Hi-Tec City, Secretariat, Assembly, select places of worship, some shopping malls and the RGI Airport in Shamshabad.

“A drone equipped with multiple cameras, including thermal vision ones, will be beneficial in conducting surveillance in terror strikes like 26/11. It can reach the spot ahead of the commando unit and provide crucial tactical support,” a senior official said. A high-end UAV costs anywhere above Rs 35 lakh based on advanced features installed.

The Octopus unit of Telangana currently has 200 commandoes, who have already been trained in various highly-specialised counter terror skills. The team, equipped with sophisticated weapons and accessories like Glock-19 pistols, Colt 9mm SMGs, Franchi Spas 15 dual mode shotguns, Steyr SSG 69 sniper rifles, Taser Guns and Corner Shot Systems, has been conducting mock drills at vulnerable sites.

“An Octopus team hits the road within five minutes of an alert to respond to any terror situation in the state. A team of Octopus commandoes are stationed at the RGI Airport, Shamshabad to tackle any terror incident,” he added.

Octopus pitches for UAV to handle terror attacks | idrw.org

 

[Abingdonboy]

The Organization for Counter Terrorist Operations (Octopus) wants to procure an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to boost its capacity in effectively handling terror attacks in Telangana. In his demands for budgetary grants from the government, home minister Nayani Narasimha Reddy has proposed that the Octopus be granted Rs 26.07 crore during the financial year 2015-16.

While furnishing information on physical targets and achievements for the fiscal, the IG, Octopus, has stated that “combating terrorism is the main mission of Octopus, especially as terror threat evolves from use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in public places, hostage situations and firing on public to send terror message”.

As per the information furnished to the assembly, in addition to using funds for spill over construction works at the Commando Training Centre for Octopus at the 570-acre facility at Ibrahimpatnam, the counter terror agency officials want to use the money towards purchase of arms and ammunition, special equipment for commandoes and purchase of special purpose vehicles like an UAV and fire tender.

“Octopus is a unit raised to counter terrorist attacks. We want the unit to be absolutely ready to handle any terror situation effectively and for that we to procure an UAV,” a source from Octopus said.

According to the home department data, Octopus has so far identified 115 vulnerable areas, including iconic buildings, commercial buildings, defence establishments and other highly sensitive likely targets of terrorists in the state. According to the sources, some of the possible terror targets shortlisted by the Octopus included Cyber Towers, Hi-Tec City, Secretariat, Assembly, select places of worship, some shopping malls and the RGI Airport in Shamshabad.

“A drone equipped with multiple cameras, including thermal vision ones, will be beneficial in conducting surveillance in terror strikes like 26/11. It can reach the spot ahead of the commando unit and provide crucial tactical support,” a senior official said. A high-end UAV costs anywhere above Rs 35 lakh based on advanced features installed.

The Octopus unit of Telangana currently has 200 commandoes, who have already been trained in various highly-specialised counter terror skills. The team, equipped with sophisticated weapons and accessories like Glock-19 pistols, Colt 9mm SMGs, Franchi Spas 15 dual mode shotguns, Steyr SSG 69 sniper rifles, Taser Guns and Corner Shot Systems, has been conducting mock drills at vulnerable sites.

“An Octopus team hits the road within five minutes of an alert to respond to any terror situation in the state. A team of Octopus commandoes are stationed at the RGI Airport, Shamshabad to tackle any terror incident,” he added.

Octopus pitches for UAV to handle terror attacks | idrw.org

Good too see that this unit is being proactive and is getting well equipped.

 

[Tshering22]

With the Owaisi group in the drivers' seat in their state, I don't know where will they hunt for threats with a drone.

 

[anyrandom]

It is needed especially because of fundamentalist muslims like Owaisi who would love to do terrorist attacks to rile up people's emotions.