THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala police is all set to purchase infrared heat detectors that can be mounted on helicopters to locate Maoists, hiding in the forests, via aerial surveillance. These can detect the presence of humans in forests and provide information. The detectors will be helpful for the thunderbolt commandoes who are in search of Maoists.

While aerial surveillance was conducted through helicopters hired for Maoist hunt, only the forest’s greenery was visible. The Maoists, hiding within the forest, were nowhere to be seen. The thunderbolt commandoes had said that the Maoists often flee on hearing the sound of the helicopter, when it flies low. The detectors are being bought to resolve this issue. With this, helicopters can detect human presence without flying low. The infrared detectors function by recognizing human body temperature.

These detectors can function at nights as well. A detector that can be mounted on helicopter costs Rs 6 crore. The price of portable ones ranges from Rs 50 lakhs and above. Central government assistance will be provided for the purchase. The helicopter is rented from Chipsan Aviation in Delhi for a monthly rent of Rs 80 lakh. The thunderbolt is currently in search of Maoists in the forest areas of Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur.

Infrared heat detectors will provide accurate details of the Maoists hidden in the forests. The human presence can be detected on screen. This will be a lot useful for the Maoist hunt organized by the police.

Manoj Abraham

ADGP, Police Headquarters