• The outfit was to be housed in a separate building and possess hi-tech equipment, data processing centres and special vehicles including for relief and rescue. These are yet to be procured.

The problem of personnel is not hard to fathom given that few are keen on transfer to a unit low on funds and resources. “Only 140 personnel have been shortlisted so far for Octopus. They will have to undergo special training before starting work,” an officer says.

“The ego clashes between the two senior police officers means work has suffered. At every stage there are hurdles and there is absolute lack of coordination and communication,” rues another senior officer, among those caught in the crossfire.