ATS to depute cops in sensitive localities

To ensure better intelligence gathering, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) will now depute constables in sensitive localities across the state.

To ensure better intelligence gathering, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) will now depute constables in sensitive localities across the state.

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With the efforts of terror outfits to recruit fresh blood from several districts in the state, it has become necessary for the agency to keep a watch on these localities, said sources.

While the ATS has units in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Akola, Amravati, Nanded and Aurangabad, it has missed out on sensitive areas such as Beed, Malegaon and Parbhani.

Terror operatives such as Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, Zulfikar Fayyaz Kagzi, Mirza Himayat Baig have emerged from these areas.

Khalid Sardhana alias Aslam Kashmiri, a recruiter and brother of LeT’s divisional commander in Kashmir, had travelled to Aurangabad and indoctrinated more than 20 youngsters including Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal and Kagzi.

Abu Jundal, the alleged handler of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was active in areas such as Aurangabad and Beed. He was also the main accused in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case.

Jundal’s aide Himayat Baig, an accused in the German Bakery blast, was active in Beed, Pune, Aurangabad and remote areas such as Udgir.

The state government has also given its sanction for creating the new post of superintendent of police (ATS) to deal with intelligence. Deputy commissioner of police Navin Reddy has been appointed to the post.

To deal with the absence of units, the agency has got policemen to monitor the operations in these regions. “Apart from keeping note of their activities, it will also help improve their response time in case of an emergency,” said a senior police officer requesting anonymity.