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ShareMumbai: The Maharashtra state police force will purchase 250 MP5s (a 9mm state-of-the-art submachine gun of German origin) for its force within the next two months.
The state government has allocated Rs 3.96 crore from its contingency funds and which will be handed over to the director general of police to procure the guns, which are used by the NSG commandos.
The state home department will also provide Rs 16.06 to raise 20 new Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads, thus almost doubling the strength of such squads across the state, and Rs 36.63 crore for security equipment.
A high-power committee of ministers, headed by deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal, approved an allocation of over Rs 56 crore three weeks ago. This allotment is a part of the state's special drive post 26/11 to modernise the police force at a cost of Rs 116 crore.
According to a government resolution issued last week, the stock of MP5 and other equipment have to be procured by the end of March and the bills submitted by then. Of the fund for security equipment, Rs 9.24 crore will be used to purchase equipment such as SLR and ammunition, and Rs 8.74 crore for vehicles. The remaining Rs 18 crore will be used in the next fiscal.
A home department official said, "The department was at the centre of criticism on outdated arms and ammunition with the police and it was discussed during the meetings held before the special allocation of funds. With the 250 MP5, we have ensured the latest equipment for the force."
