Delhi again on high alert

The Capital has been put on high alert following the recovery of a huge consignment of explosives at Ambala Cant which, the Delhi Police believe, was to be moved to the city to carry out blasts during Diwali.

The Capital has been put on high alert following the recovery of a huge consignment of explosives at Ambala Cant which, the Delhi Police believe, was to be moved to the city to carry out blasts during Diwali.

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In the backdrop of previous terror attacks, in which some important markets were targeted, security has been beefed up at major markets. However, a couple of public places continue to be potential deathtraps for visitors.

Security arrangements appeared tighter at prominent markets such as GK, Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar. On the contrary, security arrangement looked lackadaisical in Paharganj and Gaffar market. The CCTVs that were installed in Paharganj market before the CWG are now lying defunct. Even as the deployment of police personnel has been increased, checking of vehicles and frisking of visitors did not seem to be a prime concern for them.

Besides the 25 functional CCTV cameras in both the markets, special caution is being given on checking of vehicles and visitors entering these markets. Vigil towers have also been set up to keep a watch on the visitors.

Meanwhile, security at malls has also been beefed up — 25,000 armed personnel have been deployed. “Our entire force, including quick reaction teams and the special weapons and tactics teams, has been put on alert,” said a police officer.