Special Operation Group


The Special Operation Group is an Indian elite paramilitary unit operating under the Odisha Police. The force specializes in neutralizing terrorists, insurgents and extremists. They are trained to execute rapid action under any circumstance; these are highly trained for field craft and jungle warfare as well.

Mission

The Special Operation Group was formed in August 2004, under the Home Department of the Government of Odisha with the main objective of neutralizing any terrorist, insurgent, extremist groups operating in Odisha.

Organisation

Headquarters

The Special Operation Group, initially in 2004, had 543 active posts, but by 2009 it had grown to 1,370 personnel. In 2018, former Director General of Police Sanjeev Marik disclosed that the force consisted of 3000 active personnel.

Training

They receive training at SOG Training Centre in Chandaka, Bhubaneswar and also from the army base in Jabalpur.
Recruitment in the force isn't direct, the personnel are drawn from Civil Police, Odisha Special Armed Police Battalions and Indian Reserve Battalions. The unit also allows recruitment of operatives from the Indian Armed Forces, Central Para Military Forces and units of other Indian State Police Services. It works closely with the Special Intelligence Wing of the Odisha Police.

Honours