Kolkata: Bengal cabinet has approved the creation of an Anti-Terrorist Squad and an Anti-Narcotics Task Force, in what officials describe as a structural overhaul of the state’s internal security apparatus to combat cross-border terrorism and drug networks.The ATS — a first of its kind in Bengal — is modelled on the Maharashtra and UP versions. It follows a strategic directive from Union home minister Amit Shah, who had urged the BJP-led state administration to institutionalise a specialised counter-terrorism framework.The state is also working on Shah’s suggestion to set up a State Investigation Agency on the lines of the NIA. The cabinet has approved 461 regular posts and five software developer positions for the ATS, which is expected to be headed by an inspector general of police.Four dedicated anti-narcotics police stations will be set up in Durgapur, Malda, Kharagpur and Nadia — with Malda and Nadia being two of the most significant districts for international drug cartels — along with 591 new posts for the ANTF.Currently, counter-terrorism in Bengal is handled by two Special Task Forces — one under Kolkata Police and one under Bengal Police.The state is now considering merging the two into a single STF operating across both jurisdictions, with officers drawn from both forces.Following the UP model, a distinction between the STF and the new ATS has been envisioned, with the STF focused on organised crime and gang intelligence while the ATS takes charge of counter-terrorism, ISI operations and disruptive activities. Modalities are still being finalised.Bidhannagar Police had earlier set up a limited-mandate ATS headed by an assistant commissioner, which is credited with helping crack key members of the JMB Khagragarh module and is seen as a predecessor to the Bengal STF.
