Despite Special Task Force (STF) facing an acute staff crunch, the unit is proving successful in capturing criminals and controlling crimes across the state, said STF Uttarakhand SSP P Renuka Devi while talking to The Pioneer on Wednesday. Two branches of STF- one in Kumaon and another in Garhwal range- are operational in the state. “Along with 22 staff members include 14 constables, one inspector and two sub-inspectors have been deputed for Dehradun branch of STF while one sub-inspector along with six constables has been deputed for Kumaon STF unit at Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar. The staff crunch problem the unit has been facing must be solved to make its functioning all the more effective,” she said.
Notably, STF Uttarakhand being formed in 2006, one inspector, three sub-inspectors and around 20 constables have been deputed in both the units of STF which include one inspector, two sub-inspectors and 14 constables for its Dehradun unit while one sub-inspector and six constables have been deputed for the Pantnagar (Udham Singh Nagar) unit of STF.
Police sources say that with the work load involving arrest of wanted criminals, bounty criminals and drug peddlers increasing, the number of STF posts is not increasing proportionately.
Renuka Devi said that a proposal has been sent to the state administration through police headquarters for increasing the STF manpower. She claimed that since January to April 25, STF has recovered nine leopard skins, bear gall bladders and deer antler aside from arresting those involved. “Besides, 156 caret liquors, hashish weighing four kg, smack weighing 42.10 gram and opium weighing 2 kg have recovered from the peddlers. A total of 19 criminals were arrested involved in various crimes by STF police, she said, adding that those arrested included a criminal who carried a bounty of Rs 30, 000 on his head. STF police have seized one 9mm pistol, three pistols made in USA, one country- made pistol, six magazines, three .32 bore pistols with magazine in a space of three months. Being an integral part of Uttarakhand police, STF personnel are engaging in collecting intelligence about mafia led gangs. Now, we are firming up an action plan for actions against the disruptive elements,” she said.