Cops arm up as mobs turn deadly

Time of India

6 days ago

1
2
Patna: Amid an alarming rise in mob violence against police and govt officials in
Bihar
, the state police force has launched a major modernisation drive aimed at boosting officer safety and operational readiness.
From riot gear to real-time surveillance, the message is clear – Bihar Police is preparing for battlefield conditions.
Recent assaults on uniformed personnel, ranging from stone-pelting mobs to vehicles mowing down officers, have prompted an overhaul in how the force responds and protects itself. The initiative, led by the Bihar Police headquarters, has seen large-scale investment in modern equipment, tactical training and outreach.
"The force has acquired modern anti-riot equipment including water cannons, tear gas launchers and protective gear. Our priority is to ensure our personnel's safety while maintaining law and order using minimum force," said additional director general (ADG) of police (provisioning), Ajitabh Kumar.
Outdated .303 rifles have been replaced with 7.62mm assault rifles while compact firearms are now standard issue for daily duties.
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Each police station operates with at least two patrol vehicles with larger stations receiving up to four. "Over 3,000 four-wheelers and two-wheelers have been procured in the past three years. Many are used for Dial-112 and local patrols," Kumar added.
The force has also rolled out specialised vehicles including buses, water cannons, prisoner vans and even horse carriers. Larger vehicles allow greater deployment efficiency in emergencies.
Technology plays a central role. A new central control room monitors real-time footage while sensitive locations are covered by CCTV. Body cameras are being issued to frontline personnel and upgraded communication systems support faster coordination.
Training has also been revamped. Officers are receiving lessons in crowd psychology, negotiation, de-escalation and self-defence. "Our officers are now better prepared to handle hostile situations while ensuring minimal casualties on both sides," said a senior official.
Elite units like the Special Task Force (STF) and Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) have been given advanced weaponry and protective gear for rapid response.
Bihar Police is also focusing on prevention. Its intelligence network has been strengthened to pick up early warnings of flare-ups. Officials say this has already helped avert potential confrontations.
In tandem, community outreach efforts are also under way. Police now hold regular meetings with local leaders and youth groups to build trust and reduce tensions during enforcement.
While remote regions still pose logistical challenges, police say recent months have seen a reduction in injuries to personnel. Officers report feeling more confident on the ground.
The drive has support from both state and central govts with funds allocated for weapons, infrastructure and training centres.
ADG Kumar said the goal was not escalation, but protection. "The modernisation ensures the force responds with discipline and restraint without compromising its own security."
Still, the tone has hardened. Following several fatal attacks, including the death of a woman constable in Patna, police are now drawing firmer lines. "The attackers show us their guns, we will respond with bullets," said a senior officer.
Patna: Amid an alarming rise in mob violence against police and govt officials in Bihar, the state police force has launched a major modernisation drive aimed at boosting officer safety and operational readiness.
From riot gear to real-time surveillance, the message is clear – Bihar Police is preparing for battlefield conditions.
Recent assaults on uniformed personnel, ranging from stone-pelting mobs to vehicles mowing down officers, have prompted an overhaul in how the force responds and protects itself. The initiative, led by the Bihar Police headquarters, has seen large-scale investment in modern equipment, tactical training and outreach.
"The force has acquired modern anti-riot equipment including water cannons, tear gas launchers and protective gear. Our priority is to ensure our personnel's safety while maintaining law and order using minimum force," said additional director general (ADG) of police (provisioning), Ajitabh Kumar.
Outdated .303 rifles have been replaced with 7.62mm assault rifles while compact firearms are now standard issue for daily duties.
Each police station operates with at least two patrol vehicles with larger stations receiving up to four. "Over 3,000 four-wheelers and two-wheelers have been procured in the past three years. Many are used for Dial-112 and local patrols," Kumar added.
The force has also rolled out specialised vehicles including buses, water cannons, prisoner vans and even horse carriers. Larger vehicles allow greater deployment efficiency in emergencies.
Technology plays a central role. A new central control room monitors real-time footage while sensitive locations are covered by CCTV. Body cameras are being issued to frontline personnel and upgraded communication systems support faster coordination.
Training has also been revamped. Officers are receiving lessons in crowd psychology, negotiation, de-escalation and self-defence. "Our officers are now better prepared to handle hostile situations while ensuring minimal casualties on both sides," said a senior official.
Elite units like the Special Task Force (STF) and Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) have been given advanced weaponry and protective gear for rapid response.
Bihar Police is also focusing on prevention. Its intelligence network has been strengthened to pick up early warnings of flare-ups. Officials say this has already helped avert potential confrontations.
In tandem, community outreach efforts are also under way. Police now hold regular meetings with local leaders and youth groups to build trust and reduce tensions during enforcement.
While remote regions still pose logistical challenges, police say recent months have seen a reduction in injuries to personnel. Officers report feeling more confident on the ground.
The drive has support from both state and central govts with funds allocated for weapons, infrastructure and training centres.
ADG Kumar said the goal was not escalation, but protection. "The modernisation ensures the force responds with discipline and restraint without compromising its own security."
Still, the tone has hardened. Following several fatal attacks, including the death of a woman constable in Patna, police are now drawing firmer lines. "The attackers show us their guns, we will respond with bullets," said a senior officer.