Anti Terrorism Squad

Subject – Security

Context – Terror module accused was under watch: Maharashtra ATS

Concept –

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is a special police force in several states of India including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. In Maharashtra it is headed by senior of the Indian Police Service. The squad has stopped several terrorist attacks in the country.

ATS in Mumbai –

ATS was founded in Maharashtra in 1990 by then Additional Commissioner of Mumbai Police Aftab Ahmed Khan popularly known as A.A. Khan.
He was inspired by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) teams methods to combat modern-day terrorism.
Since its formation in 1990, ATS’s officers have won 23 gallantry awards.
The Mumbai ATS was involved in the 26 November 2008 hostage rescue operations in multiple locations in Mumbai, Maharashtra including the 5 star hotels Taj and Oberoi Trident.

The primary duties of ATS

To gather information on the anti-national elements
Coordinate & exchange details with intelligence services like IB and RAW.
To monitor and eliminate the actions and actions of terrorists, mafias and other organized criminal syndicates.
The detection and bursting of scams of fake currency notes and narcotics.