Tight security in Delhi ahead of Republic Day

Security has been intensified in the national capital with around 15,000 personnel deployed across the city ahead of the Republic Day in view of threat perception.

Security has been intensified in the national capital with around 15,000 personnel deployed across the city ahead of the Republic Day in view of threat perception from terror outfits.

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Police have intensified anti-sabotage and anti-explosive checks, especially on the route of the Republic Day parade, to thwart any terrorist strike, a senior police official said.

Sharpshooters of paramilitary forces will be deployed on Rajpath, where President Pratibha Patil and her French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy will watch the parade on January 26, as well as on other locations in Lutyen's Delhi.

Security forces are also conducting last-minute drills to plug loopholes, if any, on the eve of the Republic Day.

Intelligence agencies have received inputs about some militants sneaking into the city to strike during the Republic Day celebrations.

Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and snipers will be pressed into service while armed paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos will keep a hawk-like vigil along the route of the parade and in other sensitive locations.