RAF batallion for Mangaluru

The Union Home Ministry has approved a proposal by the State Home Department for a battalion of Rapid Action Force for Mangaluru (RAF).

Following series of communal riots in the district a few years ago, the State Home Department had submitted a proposal seeking the RAF battalion. The proposal was pending before the CRPF.

Twenty acres of land was identified at Badaga Ekkur at Bajpe for the RAF base. As the CRPF wanted 50 acres of land, the authorities recommended a piece of and at Maravoor.

“The area identified for Coast Guard Academy has extra piece of land which we have proposed for the RAF base. Senior officers of the Central government departments have discussed our proposal,” City Police Commissioner TR Suresh said and added:”We’ve no information on the decision taken.”

Each of the 15 RAF battalions in the country comprises 1,000 personnel. The Home Ministry hasn’t yet finalised the Mangaluru RAF base strength.