Elite unit still functions on borrowed space

Four years after an elite commando unit was formed as a response to terror attacks in the state – prompted by the 26/11 terror strike in Mumbai – the Force 1 is yet to get its own complex, promised to it by the state.

Four years after an elite commando unit was formed as a response to terror attacks in the state – prompted by the 26/11 terror strike in Mumbai – the Force 1 is yet to get its own complex, promised to it by the state.

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The commando force at present functions from the police training school at Kalina where the recruits are also trained.

The creation of the state’s own specialised counter-terror force was proposed for a prompt terror response, after the nine-hour delay in arrival of NSG commandos during the 26/11 attacks.

The government had then announced that the elite commando unit would be housed on a 99-acre plot at suburban Goregaon. According to the Maharashtra State Police Housing & Welfare Corporation Limited, an approval to construct the Phase– 1 of the complex was given at a cost of Rs6,485 lakhs.

However, a dispute over the land with the local tribals has blocked development of the complex. Though the dispute is yet to be settled, some portion of the land for the proposed hub was made available for the commando unit and sources said the complex was to be ready by 2013.

Neither Rajnish Seth, Force 1 chief, nor the home department were available for comment.