Avengers : Kerala’s SWAT To Tackle Urban Terrorism

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 18, (BPNS)

The state government has finally ratified the constitution of ‘Avengers’, the urban commando wing of the Kerala Police. 

It was in February 2021 that the State Police Chief created a specialized wing – Avengers – for tackling urban terrorism. Along with the ratification of the force, the aim, scope, functions, and operation of Avengers have also been fixed. 

“The mission of ‘Avengers’ shall be, to be a specialized SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team capable of effectively tackling any exigency arising out of terrorist aggression in urban areas in Kerala,” states the mission statement. 

The urban commando wing is entrusted with four tasks. They are: neutralizing threats from terrorists to persons, places, buildings, or installations; rescuing hostages; apprehension of high value terrorists and any other unforeseen situations requiring commando operations of specialized nature in urban areas.

Meanwhile, the mission statement underscores that Avengers shall not be used for any other type of duties other than special operations and related activities. Also, it has been stated that under no circumstances shall they be used for routine or longer-term deployment. 

Three hubs, 96 commandos 

The Avengers who are now deployed at three hubs – Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode, at present have 96 commandos. But as per the mission statement, this force will be expanded as may be decided from time to time. Avengers shall be maintained as a separate corps drawn from the Thunderbolt Commandos. 

“There will be a requirement of 120 commandos with 40 Commandos at each hub to take care of regular activities,” reads an excerpt from the document. 

For administrative purposes, the headquarters of the Indian Reserve Battalion will act as the headquarters of the Avengers. The administrative control of the Avengers will remain with Commandant, IRBN. The responsibility for the day-to-day functioning of the Avenger commandos will be with Commandant, IRBN, and will be supervised by the IG/DIG, ATS.