Nehru Place: A vulnerable target

Had the Indian Mujahideen (IM) bombed Nehru Place, it would have been the biggest strike in terms casualties, reports Atul Mathur.

Had the Indian Mujahideen (IM) bombed Nehru Place, it would have been the biggest strike in terms casualties.

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More than two lakh people visit Nehru Place, one of the biggest commercial complexes in the capital, everyday. Asia's biggest computer market and scores of street vendors put up their illegal shops in the market corridors and in the main plaza in the evenings attracting huge crowds.

With no internal security and abysmal policing, Nehru Place is a sitting duck. Electronic surveillance is missing here and the absence of a security wall and unrestricted movement of people from all sides make it an easy target.

"We have been requesting the Delhi Police to chalk out a plan to make this complex safe and secure by installing closed-circuit television cameras. But there has been no progress," said Anil Sehgal, president, Nehru Place Improvement and Welfare Association.

Another concern is the large number of casual workers working in various offices. The majority of these workers do not have their credentials verified. Sakib Nissar, one of the alleged terrorists, worked for a placement agency in Nehru Place.

"Hundreds of unverified workers are employed by shops and offices. Since they are ready to work for lesser salaries, the employers too do not bother to check anything," said Ajay Chopra, an executive with a placement agency.