Security tightened at Gurgaon malls, hotels ahead of Independence Day

Teams of special weapons and tactics (SWAT) and bomb squad teams conducted security checks at hotels in the city.

Security in Gurgaon has been tightened ahead of the Independence Day on Saturday.

Haryana police commandos at the Grand Mall on MG Road, Gurgaon, on Saturday. (HT Photo)

Teams of special weapons and tactics (SWAT) and bomb squad teams conducted security checks at hotels in the city. Checks were also conducted at other public places, including bus stands and railway stations.

“We have deployed more than 100 commandos in hotels and malls in view of the Independence Day,” said a police spokesperson. Identity of all visitors is being ascertained before allowing them into hotels.

The spokesperson said the security has been increased at the Delhi-Gurgaon toll plaza also. The border, he said, is a sensitive area and vehicles are being checked there. Vehicles coming from Jaipur are also being checked, he said.

Already police has been conducting safety drills in hostels, guest houses and PG accommodations across the city. Several teams have been constituted for the checks.

Caretakers and owners of three guest houses in the city were booked on Saturday for allowing foreign nationals to stay without informing police.

“Caretaker Trivendanand and owner Diljot Singh of Hotel Gresh, both residents of New Railway Road, were booked for the violation of Foreigners’ Act,” said Anil Kumar, assistant sub inspector.

Besides, owners of a guest house near Medanta the Medcity and Sector 38 were also booked for the violation.

As per the rule, guest houses, hotels or PG accommodations have to keep record of all guests. If the guest is a foreign national, it is mandatory for them to submit his details at the foreigners’ registration office (FRO).

Besides, a set of guidelines has been issued to malls, hotels and call centres to strengthen security, the spokesperson said.

Police have also asked premier hotels on MG Road and Udyog Vihar like Bristol, Park Plaza, Trinity Residency and Trident and Oberoi to prepare security plans, the spokesperson said.