Maharashtra sets up Force 1 against terror

Conceived on the lines of National Security Guards, Maharashtra government's force of elite commandos called Force 1, is getting ready to tackle terror attacks in the state.

The decision to set up this one-of-its-kind force in the state was taken after Mumbai was attacked by terrorists on November 26, 2008.

Over 1600 young policemen from the state had expressed their willingness to join the force, but after a thorough physical and mental examination only 320 were shortlisted.

Some even had to be dropped as they could not cope up with the strenuous physical exercises during their training period. Presently, 150-odd Commandos are being trained at the State Reserve Police campus in Pune.