Delhi Police tighten vigil outside airport

The Delhi Police have deployed more armed personnel outside the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) after intelligence agencies warned that the Deccan Mujahideen could target it, reports Vijaita Singh.

The Delhi Police have deployed more armed personnel outside the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) after intelligence agencies warned that the Deccan Mujahideen could target it.

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The outfit had claimed responsibility for the Mumbai attacks.

The Delhi Police are responsible for security outside the airport premises. Apart from augmenting their strength, the police have been given sophisticated weapons and hand-held metal detectors. Plain-clothes policemen have also been deployed and roadblocks put up on the approach roads.

"We are randomly checking taxis and vehicles in and around the airport. Terrorists may use vehicles as in the past," said a police officer.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Delhi Police and other security agencies met on Thursday to review the security situation.

"Apart from providing security, the police will be engaged in gathering intelligence and developing information based on their local contacts," said the officer.

The police are checking credentials of workers engaged in renovation work at the IGI airport. "We have asked the airport operator to submit their details and get them verified with the local police," said the officer.

As a result of the heightened security, there were massive traffic jams on the roads leading to the airport. "The roadblocks have slowed down the movement of vehicles and as a result, there was a traffic jam. Passengers are advised to start early," said the officer.