Telangana Director General of Police C. V. Anand on Thursday, 14 May visited the Greyhounds headquarters in Hyderabad to conduct a comprehensive review of the elite anti-Maoist force, including discussions on its downsizing and restructuring as Left Wing Extremism activities in the state near their end. The visit marks one of the first major administrative assessments by Anand since he recently assumed charge as the state's top police officer.

Restructuring and Strength Reduction

At the heart of Thursday's review was the question of how many Greyhounds personnel are necessary to maintain a minimum operational strength capable of responding to any future resurgence of Maoist activity. DGP Anand informed senior officers that a proposal concerning 708 surrendered posts within the Greyhounds cadre is currently pending before the state government. He added that notified repatriations will be carried out only after the requisite government orders are received.

The DGP also assessed the force's recent operational record, reviewing anti-Maoist missions and other assigned duties to gauge overall performance. DGP Greyhounds Anil Kumar and other senior officers attended the review meeting.

Training Standards and Combat Readiness

Beyond numbers, Anand turned his attention to the quality of training. He reviewed existing curricula and training modules, stressing the need for continuous upgradation in line with evolving operational requirements. The DGP directed the Greyhounds leadership to enhance operational efficiency and sustain high combat readiness, specifically emphasising regular firing practice and rigorous training drills to keep the force mission-ready at all times.

He also commended the commitment of Greyhounds personnel and underlined the importance of preserving the unit's reputation as one of India's premier anti-insurgency forces through sustained professionalism and discipline.

OCTOPUS Counter-Terror Unit Also Reviewed

Later on the same day, DGP Anand visited the Commando Training Centre of OCTOPUS at Ibrahimpatnam, the state's elite counter-terror force. He inspected the Administration Block, Training Block, operational facilities, and newly developed infrastructure at the campus.

According to a release from the DGP office, Dr. Anil Kumar, DGP Operations (OCTOPUS and Greyhounds), briefed Anand on regular operational team activities, periodic mock exercises at vulnerable installations and sensitive locations, counter-terror preparedness drills, and specialised training in advanced weapons handling.

Focus on Airport Security and Modern Equipment

Anand stressed the importance of conducting mock operations across diverse building structures and real-time scenarios to sharpen operational effectiveness. He reviewed requirements for modern equipment and infrastructure upgrades to strengthen counter-terror teams. Notably, he advised the force to plan and bolster operational strategies for both existing airports and upcoming airport facilities in the state — a forward-looking directive that signals Telangana's intent to harden critical infrastructure against potential threats.

As Maoist violence continues to ebb across the region, the twin reviews signal a deliberate pivot: from active counter-insurgency to leaner, more agile force structures calibrated for the threats of the next decade.