On guard, everywhere

CISF to secure Infosys office in Bangalore from today; first private firm to get the government security group's protection

On guard, everywhere

CISF to secure Infosys office in Bangalore from today; first private firm to get the government security group's protection

They have been one of Indian government's best bets at domestic security for decades. But now, personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will guard private institutions as well.

For the first time, the CISF will provide its services to a private institution Infosys in Bangalore in wake of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.

On guard

"One hundred and one commandos will be deployed at the Infosys campus in Bangalore. Their job will be to secure the campus from any kind of terror activity and sabotage," said Deputy Commandant, CISF, Rohit Katiyar.

As the founder of Infosys, Narayan Murthy, launches the new arrangement today, it will assure the security of many such organizations, which have approached the CISF for support. "These commandos will form the Quick Reaction Team, trained to neutralise terror attacks," said Katiyar.

Armed to fight

Apart from standard INSAS rifles, the commandoes will be equipped with sophisticated arms. "We have assessed the situation and the men have been given necessary arms and ammunition," said a CISF officer.

"Private security personnel hired by multi-national corporations are not well-equipped to deal with a largescale terrorist attacks," said a senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), wishing anonymity.

Who pays?

Infosys will be recurring a bill of Rs 2.5 crore annually. "The arrangement is on cost reimbursement basis. The CISF is a non-profit organisation and private companies hiring its men will have to bear all costs," said Katiyar.

Sources said the CISF and MHA are considering requests made by 79 more private sector organisations,
which includes the Electronic City and Wipro in Bangalore and Reliance Refineries at Jamnagar, Gujarat.