Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel reviews Chetak Commando arms at Amreli expo
Synopsis
Ahead of the 80th Independence Day, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel personally reviewed a live display of the state police's most advanced weaponry — from anti-material rifles to Taser guns — in Amreli. The exhibition underscores Gujarat's continued push to publicly showcase the Chetak Commando Force's counter-threat capabilities.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel reviewed an arms exhibition at Samarth Vyayam Mandir, Amreli on 14 August 2025 .
Firearms on display included the Galil Sniper Rifle , Anti-Material Rifle , AK-47 , SIG Sauer 5.56 mm SF Rifle , and INSAS Rifle , among others.
The Chetak Commando Force , established in 1992 and renamed in 2008 , was the centrepiece of the display.
Non-lethal equipment including Taser guns , gas guns , and multi-cell launchers was also featured.
Amreli is hosting Gujarat's state-level 80th Independence Day celebrations, with Patel set to hoist the National Flag on 15 August .
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday, 14 August 2025 reviewed an arms exhibition in Amreli showcasing advanced firearms, specialised equipment, and security technology deployed by the Gujarat Police and its elite Chetak Commando Force. The display was organised as part of the state-level celebrations ahead of the 80th Independence Day on 15 August.
What Was on Display
The exhibition, held at Samarth Vyayam Mandir in Amreli, featured an extensive range of firearms including the 7.62 mm Sniper Rifle (Ishapore), Galil Sniper Rifle, Anti-Material Rifle, AK-47, 7.62 mm Ghatak Rifle, SIG Sauer 5.56 mm SF Rifle, Excalibur, and INSAS Rifle.
Also on display were heavier weapons systems — the 30 mm Automatic Grenade Launcher, 40 mm Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher, Glock pistol, MP-5 submachine gun, JVPC, and Amogh carbine. Specialised equipment such as the Corner Shot System, night-vision technology, optical equipment, and rappelling gear were also presented.
Non-lethal tools, including multi-cell launchers, gas guns, and Taser guns, rounded out the display, offering a comprehensive view of the force's operational range.
CM Patel's Assessment
Chief Minister Patel was briefed on the features and battlefield applications of each category of equipment. He appreciated the preparedness, courage, and operational efficiency of Gujarat Police personnel and reviewed the readiness of the Chetak Commando Force firsthand.
Senior cabinet members were present at the event, including Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani, who also serves as Amreli district in-charge minister; Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja; and Minister of State for Energy and Law, Kaushik Vekariya.
About the Chetak Commando Force
The Chetak Commando Force, formerly known as the Special Force of Gujarat Police, was established in 1992 and renamed in 2008. It is trained and equipped for high-risk security situations, functioning as the state's primary counter-threat unit. The force has been a recurring centrepiece of Gujarat's police capability showcases.
A Pattern of Police Expos
This is not the first time Gujarat has used a public exhibition to highlight its security apparatus. A similar Police Expo held in 2025 featured the Chetak Commando Force, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, State Disaster Response Force, and Marine Task Force, alongside demonstrations of police technology and crime detection methods. The exhibitions serve both a public awareness function and a morale-building role within the force.
Chief Minister Patel is scheduled to hoist the National Flag and address the state on 15 August, with Amreli hosting the state-level Independence Day celebrations this year.
Point of View
Response times, or civil liberties safeguards. As states compete to project security strength, the public showcase model risks becoming a performance ritual rather than a genuine accountability exercise.
NationPress
14 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was displayed at the Amreli arms exhibition on 14 August 2025?
The exhibition featured advanced firearms including the Galil Sniper Rifle, Anti-Material Rifle, AK-47, SIG Sauer 5.56 mm SF Rifle, and INSAS Rifle, along with grenade launchers, the Glock pistol, MP-5 submachine gun, and non-lethal tools such as Taser guns and gas guns. Specialised equipment like night-vision technology, the Corner Shot System, and rappelling gear was also on display.
Who is the Chetak Commando Force?
The Chetak Commando Force is the elite unit of the Gujarat Police, established in 1992 and renamed from the Special Force of Gujarat Police in 2008. It is trained and equipped for high-risk security operations and counter-threat scenarios.
Why was the exhibition held in Amreli?
Amreli is the designated venue for Gujarat's state-level 80th Independence Day celebrations on 15 August 2025. The arms exhibition was organised on 14 August as part of the pre-Independence Day events, with CM Bhupendra Patel scheduled to hoist the National Flag there the following day.
Which ministers attended the Amreli arms exhibition?
Agriculture Minister and Amreli district in-charge minister Jitu Vaghani, Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja, and Minister of State for Energy and Law Kaushik Vekariya were among the senior officials present alongside Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Has Gujarat held similar police exhibitions before?
Yes. A comparable Police Expo held in 2025 showcased the Chetak Commando Force, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, State Disaster Response Force, and Marine Task Force, along with police technology and crime detection demonstrations. Gujarat has increasingly used such expos to publicly display the capabilities of its specialised units.
