Patna, Jan. 2: The cabinet today sanctioned Rs 25.88 crore for purchasing equipment and firearms to make Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) functional in Bihar.

“The cabinet sanctioned Rs 25.88 crore for purchasing equipment and firearms to make the ATS operational in the state,” cabinet secretariat department principal secretary Brajesh Mehrotra told reporters.

Mehrotra said funds would be utilised for purchase of equipment such as firearms, communication, mobility, surveillance, trained dogs, generator, bomb disposal, anti-sabotage equipment, forensic science laboratory, equipment for medical team and others.

The cabinet on April 9, 2013, had approved the creation of the state’s first ATS police station in Patna to deal with terror-related activities.

A deputy superintendent of police-rank officer would head the ATS police station and it would have its jurisdiction across the state over the incidents of terrorist activities.

The police station would lodge an FIR in connection with terror attacks or any kind of involvement in terrorist activities.

The cabinet also sanctioned Rs 220.51 crore to be given to Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (Buidco) for construction of an inter-state bus terminal (ISBT) at Mauja-Pahari (Patna-Gaya road), on the outskirt of the state capital, Mehrotra said, adding that the said amount has been taken as loan from HUDCO.