AP Govt allocates Rs 60 crore for anti-terror outfit

Hyderabad, Feb 16 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Government today announced Rs 60 crore for setting up the elite anti-terrorist outfit -- Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operation (OCTUPUS)-- conceived following the twin bomb blasts at Gokul Chat and Lumbini Park on August 25 in the city.

State Finance Minister K Rosaiah, who presented the 2008-09 budget in the Assembly, had allocated Rs 60 crore to establish OCTOPUS during this year.

The allocation would be utilised to construct a special building for OCTOPUS and buy advanced equipment required to curb terrorist activities.

Police personnel selected for OCTOPUS would undergo special training to tackle the terrorist activities in the State.

Senior IPS officer A K Mohanty was already posted as Director General of OCTOPUS last year.

UNI AP VA GM BDP VC1802