Chandigarh: As per media reports the Punjab Police has proposed to set-up a Special Operations Group (SOG) with special powers and sophisticated devices and technologies.
A report in the Indian Express (IE) states that the proposed Special Operations Group (SOG) would be used for “containing, countering and neutralising any militant misadventure that endangers the safety of people or the security of strategic assets”.
Notably the previous government in Punjab had raised a Punjab police special group called Special Weapon And Tactics (SWAT).
“A proposal in this regard has been prepared by the Commando wing of Punjab police and sent to Punjab’s Home department. A presentation is likely to be made before Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who also holds the Home portfolio, soon”, notes IE news report.
The report further notes that having a total strength of 278, comprising different ranks from constables to Additional Director-General of Police (ADGP), SOG is proposed to be headed by an ADGP.
“Already in place, Special Weapon And Tactics (SWAT) team and Special Strike Group would be merged with the proposed SOG”, the report notes.
“SOG personnel are proposed to be armed with latest weapons and equipment in use by the armed forces of several militarily strong countries. Among these are 81 mm Carl Gustav rocket launchers, UBGLS/M 320 grenade launchers, Beretta M9 pistols, M-27 infantry automatic rifles, assault rifles HK-416 (5.56mm) and MK-17 (7.62 mm), M590 pump action shot guns, M 240 machine guns (7.62mm), M40 AS sniper rifles, ground panoramic night vision goggles, infrared aiming/pointing/illumination devices, night vision scopes, Phantom 4 Pro Drones, Netra Drones, MK-7 helmets, Osprey body armour MK-4 or Vitrus Vest System, Boots (suitable for environment with temperatures exceeding 40 degree celsius and multipurpose knives”, IE news report notes further.