The Full form of ATS is Anti-Terrorism Squad. ATS is a special police force in working in several states of India including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala, Bihar and West Bengal. It is headed by senior of the IPS (Indian Police Service) in Maharashtra. The squad has terminated several terrorist attacks in the country. ATS is a special force specialized in countering terrorist activities and attacks.
It works in coordination with central government Intelligence Agencies like Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). ATS was established in Maharashtra, India in 1990. It was founded by Aftab Ahmed Khan (Additional Commissioner of Mumbai Police). He was inspired by the Special Weapons and Tactics team (SWAT); a special police force established in United States to control and fight modern-day terrorism.
The key responsibilities of ATS are; to collect information about anti-national elements, to exchange information and coordinate with intelligence agencies like IB and RAW, to track the plans and activities of mafia, terrorists, and other organized crime syndicates and eliminate them, and to detect and bust the rackets of narcotic substances and fake current notes. The Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad was involved in the hostage rescue operations on 26th November 2008 in multiple locations in Mumbai, Maharashtra including the well known 5 star hotels like Taj and Oberoi Trident.