Black kite over Red Fort leaves security scrambling before Modi’s I-Day speech

Agency | ByPTI, New Delhi
Published on: Aug 15, 2016 03:40 pm IST

A black kite caused quite a flutter at the Red Fort minutes before Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached there to hoist the tricolour and address the nation on the occasion of 70th Independence Day on Monday.

A black kite caused quite a flutter at the Red Fort minutes before Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached there to hoist the tricolour and address the nation on the occasion of 70th Independence Day on Monday.

Kites dot the sky during India's Independence Day celebrations in old Delhi in New Delhi, on August 15, 2014.(Arun Sharma/HT File Photo)
Kites dot the sky during India's Independence Day celebrations in old Delhi in New Delhi, on August 15, 2014.(Arun Sharma/HT File Photo)

The kite was spotted flying over the ramparts of the Red Fort which was being closely guarded by thousands of security personnel and CCTV cameras.

Within a few minutes, security personnel managed to pull down the kite.

Security personnel also kept a watch on the venue from a chopper which hovered over the Red Fort and nearby areas till the arrival of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisting the tricolour at Red Fort to mark India’s 70th Independence Day in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI Photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisting the tricolour at Red Fort to mark India’s 70th Independence Day in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI Photo)

Thousands of people who reached the Red Fort to attend the Independence Day function were screened and frisked by security personnel.

Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed along the roads leading to the Red Fort even as the areas were covered with hundreds of CCTV cameras to watch over suspects and any abnormal movement.

Read | 70th Independence Day: PM Modi opts out bullet proof enclosure for 3rd year

Barricades were put up at various places where armed police and paramilitary personnel kept a strict vigil. Traffic personnel allowed only authorised vehicles to head towards the venue.

Around 40,000 people, including VVIPs and a large number of school children, were present at the venue. The enclosures for people were also closely watched by Delhi Police commandos and personnel from para-military forces.

The venue and its surrounding areas were secured by around 8,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary forces personnel, besides those from SPG, NSG and intelligence agencies.

Read more | Modi’s Independence Day speech: Here are the top quotes

Check for Real-time updates on India News, Weather Today, Latest News on Hindustan Times.
Check for Real-time updates on India News, Weather Today, Latest News on Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
Get App
crown-icon
Subscribe Now!