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Journalism of Courage
The first-ever underground firing range for police in Maharashtra would be set up at Kalina in North-West Mumbai. This state-of-the-art firing range will be housed within the proposed suburban police headquarters to be established at an estimated cost of Rs 110 crore over the next two years.
‘‘Policemen will be trained here in handling all kinds of firearms, right from revolvers to pistols to modern sophisticated assault rifles,’’ Mumbai Police chief M.N. Singh said here. ‘‘It will be unique in many respects and match the best firing ranges in the country,’’ he added.
Senior police officers told UNI that besides routine training to police officers and men, this firing range will also be beneficial for special squads as some of the crack teams of the Mumbai Police will be stationed here.
The 56-member Quick Response Team to be raised on the lines of the National Security Guard (NSG), popularly known as Black Cat commandos, will also be stationed here, along with regular police commandos and the riot control police.
‘‘Such squads need regular training. While the team is stationed here, they can constantly get training,’’ a senior police official said.
Designed by renowned architect Ajit Gupte, the complex will be funded equally by the state government and the Centre and is part of the modernisation plan of the state police force, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh who performed the bhoomipoojan said yesterday.
The project is the brainchild of Singh, who is due to retire on December 31 after serving over two and a half years as the Mumbai Police Commissioner.
The Kalina headquarters is spread over 28 acres of land and is situated near the forensic laboratory. A DNA testing centre is also likely to come up in the near future.
Last night, Dy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who also holds the Home portfolio, laid the foundation stone of the new administrative building at the Police Commissionerate at Crawford market here.
This building has been designed by noted architect Hafeez Contractor. When ready after two years, it will house the control room, Crime Branch headquarters, cyber crime cell and other important units. The estimated cost is around Rs 5 crore.
