Purnia: Strengthening its security infrastructure along sensitive border regions, the Bihar Police has approved the establishment of an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) center in Purnia. The move comes amid concerns over the district’s proximity to Nepal, Bangladesh, and West Bengal, making the Seemanchal region strategically important.
According to officials, the State Police Headquarters has initiated the search for a suitable building and land for the center. Initially, the facility will start operations in an available building while land is acquired for the construction of a permanent structure.
The ATS center is expected to become functional within the next three months of 2026, as per directives from Police Headquarters.
Sensitive zone due to international borders
Security agencies have consistently flagged Seemanchal districts—Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj, and Araria—as vulnerable due to their open border with Nepal and close access to Bangladesh through West Bengal. Officials believe that a dedicated ATS unit will enable quicker and more efficient response in case of any terrorism-related incident.
The demand for an ATS presence gained momentum following the resumption of air services in Purnia on September 15, 2025, and the establishment of a gas refilling plant, which increased the city’s strategic significance.
Rapid response capability for Seemanchal
Forty specially trained ATS personnel will be posted at the new center, along with an ATS Deputy SP, two inspectors, and a technical team. All personnel are members of Bihar Police with advanced counter-terrorism training and work in close coordination with national security agencies like the NIA and IB.
Once operational, the Purnia ATS team will be able to reach any district in Seemanchal—Katihar, Kishanganj, or Araria—within an hour. Previously, teams had to travel from Patna, requiring nearly six to eight hours to respond to incidents.
STF Command Center already operational
Purnia has already seen a significant security upgrade with the establishment of the Special Task Force (STF) Command Center in 2025. The unit includes 80 personnel, two DSPs, inspectors, and a technical support team. STF teams are actively engaged in operations against organized crime in the area.
Officials say the upcoming ATS center will further enhance coordinated action against any emerging threats.
DIG Purnia Range Pramod Kumar Mandal said that the approval has been granted and the search for a suitable location is underway. “The ATS centre will start functioning in Purnia soon,” he added.
