Police on high alert for I-day, 10,000 personnel to secure Old, Central Delhi

Police said NSG commandos and snipers of Delhi police commando unit will be posted atop buildings in and around Red Fort. At least 10,000 police personnel will be posted in Old and Central Delhi.

The Delhi Police stepped up security ahead of Independence Day on Tuesday.

Police said NSG commandos and snipers of Delhi police commando unit will be posted atop buildings in and around Red Fort. At least 10,000 police personnel will be posted in Old and Central Delhi. (Arun Sharma/HT PHOTO)

Police said they have deployed paramilitary personnel to complement the 80,000 strong city police in securing the city. Areas around the Walled City, especially around the Red Fort where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give his Independence Day speech will be closed for vehicle movement.

Police said NSG commandos and snipers of Delhi police commando unit will be posted atop buildings in and around Red Fort. At least 10,000 police personnel will be posted in Old and Central Delhi.

Police said the threat perception in the backdrop of alleged terrorists arrested last week is “very high” this year. Over the last few days, police have been conducting stringent checks across the city. Police have taken over 500 CCTV cameras on rent and installed across the Walled City. CCTV cameras have also been placed at the route, the Prime Minister and other guests will take on their way to the Red Fort.

A senior officer said that even the road dividers, where plants are kept on the Ring Road leading to the Red Fort, have been sanitised. Police said they have scanned each tree near the Rajghat, where the Prime Minister is likely to visit on Tuesday.

All district heads and senior officers have been asked to report to Red Fort at around 3 in the morning. Anti-riot teams have also been posted across the city. “The local police have been conducting checks at the local hotels across the city. Our beat constables have also checked the details of those who recently rented rooms in parts of the city. Mock drills were also conducted at shopping malls and market places,” said a senior officer.