Hyderabad: Greyhounds, SIB face phase-out
HYDERABAD: With Left-wing extremism nearing its end in Telangana, structural changes are set to reshape the police department. The elite Greyhounds commando force and the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB), which played a key role in anti-Maoist operations for decades, are likely to see a reduced role.
The government is learnt to have questioned the need for dedicated anti-Maoist wings when the state has officially stated that Maoists no longer operate here. At a recent high-level meeting, it reportedly reviewed staff strength and expenditure on these units.
Separately, the Union government is said to have written to all affected states, advising them to wind up special divisions created to combat Left-wing extremism.
Greyhounds shaped anti-Maoist fight
The Naxalite movement, which began in Naxalbari in West Bengal, spread to Srikakulam in undivided Andhra Pradesh before expanding to other regions, especially Telangana. The movement escalated to a level that challenged the state.
To counter guerrilla tactics used by Maoists, Indian Police Service officer Vyas conceptualised the Greyhounds unit. With support from the then Telugu Desam government, a training centre was established across about 700 acres.
Greyhounds commandos undergo rigorous training to operate in forests, conduct surprise strikes and sustain themselves for up to six days. They are trained to walk at least 20 km daily and handle weapons in hostile terrain. The unit has earned international recognition, with experts from several countries, including the United States, studying its model.
Intelligence backbone under review
To track Maoist movements and strategies, the police set up the Special Intelligence Branch. SIB personnel maintain an independent information network and provide inputs that guide Greyhounds operations.
Personnel in both units receive special allowances due to the risks involved. Compared with regular police, Circle Inspectors and lower ranks receive 60% higher pay, while Deputy Superintendents of Police and above receive 50% more. In case of injury, medical expenses are borne by the government. If a personnel dies in service, a family member is offered a job and house site, and salary is paid until the date of notional retirement.
Last year, ₹34.91 crore was allocated to the Greyhounds. While the combined strength in the undivided state once stood at 3,000 commandos, Telangana now has about 1,500.
Director General of Police Shivdhar Reddy had recently stated that only 11 Maoists remain active in the state. With the movement nearly extinguished and central funding for anti-Maoist operations expected to be withdrawn, the future of the Greyhounds and SIB remains uncertain.
