More sleuths to man Maoists

More sleuths to man Maoists

RANJAN DASGUPTA

Throwing a new challenge. File picture Ranchi, June 10: The state government has decided to strengthen the intelligence network in a bid to outwit the Maoists. The government has decided to create about 1,200 posts to boost manpower in the intelligence wing of the state police, known as Special Branch. Moreover, the state home department had proposed to establish an intelligence training school at Ranchi to provide training to the sleuths. The proposal is awaiting the government’s nod. The upgrading of the Special Branch is aimed to garner concrete information about the movement and activities of the rebels so that effective steps could be taken against them. According to sources, once the government gives its nod, the nitty-gritty of the institute would be worked out by the home and police department officials. The state has been reeling under severe Maoist attacks since 2003 with over 300 such incidents. This resulted in the death of a large number of police and civilians. Shockingly, these have far outnumbered the Maoist deaths. Last year 43 police personnel and 81 civilians were killed. In comparison only 20 rebels were gunned down by the police. “The major part of the Rs 50 crore assistance from the Centre for the police modernisation programme would be used to upgrade the vital wing of the state police,” said an official. State home secretary, Sudhir Tripathy said the process of filling up of the additional posts would begin soon. “In fact the government had already increased manpower in the Special Branch last year. But it would be further strengthened,” said Tripathy. The proposal for the intelligence training school has been mooted to prepare the sleuths for gathering information in an effective manner. According to an official, there is an imperative need to make the intelligence personnel aware of how to garner information. Training would also be imparted on the use of modern gadgets. The Telegraph

Tags: Intelligence bureau, Maoist