CP security audit says: Be on guard

Facing criticism for their failure in preventing terror attacks in Delhi, the special cell of the Delhi Police has conducted a security audit of multi-storey buildings located in Connaught Place and asked them to beef up security.

Facing criticism for their failure in preventing terror attacks in Delhi, the special cell of the Delhi Police has conducted a security audit of multi-storey buildings located in Connaught Place and asked them to beef up security.

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A letter by the joint commissioner of the special cell has been sent to all commercial establishment housing offices of multinational companies, alerting them about the possibility of a terrorist attack.

“A large number of people visit these buildings on a regular basis. It is possible that anti-social elements may leave behind a bomb there. The possibility of a shootout by terrorists also cannot be ruled out,” the letter stated.

A senior Delhi police officer said the audit was prompted by three recent blasts, one in Mumbai and two outside Delhi High Court.

“These incidents indicate that terrorists want to disturb peace and create an atmosphere of terror. It is important to strengthen security arrangements at sensitive places to thwart any such incident,” the officer said.

“We have also asked them to install CCTV cameras with 30 days' recording. The cameras should also be installed at perimeters of buildings, to capture movement of suspicious persons outside the complex,” the officer added.

Delhi police have requested that these establishments install baggage X-ray scanners and Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs).

In a bid to enhance security, Delhi Police have also conducted a recce of markets to check security arrangements.

“A team of Delhi Police had come to gather security-related information. They found there was no CCTV in the market,” Atul Bhargav, president of New Delhi Traders Association said.