Nearly 700 personnel of the unit will be located in Porbandar, Jamnagar, Dahej SEZ

Rising maritime concern among the security agencies has resulted in the birth of a new elite armed battalion of the Gujarat Police — Marine Commandos Unit. Also known as Chetak, the force would be responsible for ensuring security in the 1,600-km long state coastline. According to senior police officials, 700-odd men of the force with sophisticated weaponry and boats would keep maritime vigil.

Apart from Porbandar and Jamnagar districts, where the headquarters as well as training centre of the force will be located, the Dahej SEZ in Bharuch district will have a unit of about 50 Chetak personnel keeping an eye on the high seas.

“Dahej being a strategic business region with a port becomes a soft target for any kind of sea invasion. Therefore, we are in the process of acquiring about five acres within the SEZ where the unit headquarters of this marine commando unit of the Gujarat Police would be located,” said Additional Director General of Police V M Pargi.

Although at a nascent stage, nine units of Chetak would be spread across as many coastal districts under a deputy superintendent of police.

“The battalion would be headed by an officer of the Inspector General of Police rank. All the nine units will be provided with speed boats and hovercraft for patrolling, which will be deployed very soon,” added Pargi. The commandos will be trained by the elite MARCOS of the Indian Navy.

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