West Bengal Cabinet Approves Dedicated ATS and Anti-Narcotics Force, Clears 1,000+ Posts

The West Bengal Cabinet has approved the formation of a dedicated Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in a major move aimed at strengthening the state's response to terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking.

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, with the government approving more than 1,000 new posts across the two specialised security units and other administrative bodies.

The newly approved ATS will function under the state police and focus on countering terrorist and subversive activities. A total of 461 regular and permanent posts have been sanctioned for the squad, along with five contractual positions for specialists in digital data analysis, cyber surveillance and technical support.

The specialised unit is expected to strengthen the use of technology in security operations by tracking the digital footprints of suspected criminals and terrorist networks, expanding cyber surveillance capabilities and enabling faster counter-operations.

The Cabinet has also approved the creation of an Anti-Narcotics Task Force to intensify action against drug trafficking and organised narcotics networks. Four new ANTF police stations will be established in Durgapur, Malda, Kharagpur and Nadia.

A total of 591 new posts at different levels of the police and administration have been sanctioned to support the functioning of the anti-narcotics force.

The move comes amid growing concerns over organised crime, drug trafficking and suspected terror activities. The increasing use of digital platforms and communication networks by criminal and extremist groups has also highlighted the need for specialised law-enforcement units with stronger technological capabilities.

Along with the new security forces, the Cabinet approved several administrative changes. A new rural police outpost will be established at Suryapur in the Baruipur police district of South 24 Parganas, with 19 posts sanctioned for its functioning.

The State Commission for Women will receive 68 additional posts to strengthen its work on cases related to violence against women. Another 57 posts have been approved for the commission dealing with institutional corruption.

Following the Cabinet approval, the government is expected to begin the recruitment process and develop the required infrastructure for the ATS and ANTF. The two specialised forces are expected to play a key role in strengthening West Bengal's law-enforcement response to terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking.