New anti-naxal force 'Black Panther' undergoing training: Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said a new special force called Black Panther being established along the lines of special force GreyHounds in Chhattisgarh. Rajnath Singh was speaking to media in Chhattisgarh.

Rajnath Singh said, "Developmental work is going on rapidly in Naxal affected areas. Out of 115 aspirational districts 35 have been identified as naxal affected. Penetration of our security forces is increasing in the state."

"A new special force called Black Panther being established along the lines of special force GreyHounds (special force that specialises in anti-insurgency operations against Naxals). There are currently undergoing training," he said.

"Currently, 52 battalions of Central Armed Police Force are deployed in Chhattisgarh," he added.

Earlier, Rajnath Singh attended the passing out parade of 241 Bastariya Battalion of CRPF in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh.

"Inducting Bastariya Battalion is a well-considered decision of our government. People from Bastar region have a great sense of responsibility and patriotism," Singh said on the occasion.