Mysuru: Mysuru, the cultural capital of Karnataka has one more ‘secure’ feather to its cap – Special Commando Force (SCF) that will exclusively deal with anti-terror operations and will not be a part of the city civil Police force.

The force was formally launched yesterday during the Republic Day Parade held at Torchlight Parade Grounds, Bannimantap. Soon after the launch, the commandoes presented an eye-catching and awe-inspiring anti-terror operation where a bus was rescued from being the target of terrorists and also demonstrated VVIP security during an emergency. A Mobile Command Centre, part of SCF, was also launched on the occasion.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, City Police Commissioner Dr. A. Subrahmanyeswara Rao, who underwent a special training in the US in 2006, said that the team will be specially trained for commando activities and to counter terrorism.

The SCF will be deployed to counter specific cases, especially during emergencies to ensure safety and security. “We will provide advanced and suitable weapons to the team members and only personnel with dedication have been appointed to the force,” he said.

Thirty-one personnel have been selected for the SCF and there is a thought to reduce it to 28, said the commissioner. The force will be headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (law and order) N. Vishnuvardhana, City Armed Reserve (CAR) DCP B.V. Kittur, CAR Assistant Commissioner of Police Veeranna and one Inspector from CAR.

“The city has no exclusive Commando Force. The existing commandoes get mixed with other forces and they are deployed to handle various minor or major situations including VVIP visits. We have set up an exclusive and highly-efficient core team who are daredevils,” the city’s top cop said.

The SCF will not have any civil exposure but will be used in anti-terror operations. Grey colour urban camouflage uniforms have been provided. As of now, the commandoes have one AK 47 rifle and one 9mm Pistol. “We will soon provide Heckler & Koch MP5, a 9mm submachine gun of German design, to the commandoes as operating AK 47 is difficult and MP5 is an efficient killer machine,” Rao said.

The commandoes, apart from training in Mysuru, will frequently visit Centre for Counter Terrorism (CCT) at Koodlu in Bengaluru for advanced training. CCT is a part of Internal Security Division.

Members of the team have been drawn from various other existing Police forces and the force is equipped with advanced arms and specialised training to deal with rough and hostile situations. Selection has been based on physique, qualification, sharp traits, interests, looks and personality of the candidates.

It may be recalled here that the city Police had constituted ‘Chamundi Commando Force’ a few years back during the tenure of S. Parashivamurthy as the City Police Commissioner. At present, the force is not effective and only a few personnel are serving in the force.