An object as small and obscure as a dustbin has become a reason for sparring between the Delhi Police and the Organising Committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games.
The OC is against the police’s idea of overturning the dustbins every half an hour or so — as part of security measures when the Games are on as well as during the drills preceding it.
Since the serial blasts in Delhi in September 2008, when all bombs, except one, had been hidden in dustbins at bus stands and parks by terrorists, the Delhi Police have been paranoid about manning the bins.
They have told the OC that as part of anti-sabotage checks, all dustbins would have to be emptied every time the drill was conducted.
The OC had reportedly conveyed they did not have the manpower to clean up the mess after every such check.
“We clearly told them (the OC) we could not compromise with the security and we would go ahead with the checks at regular intervals, almost every half an hour. All the dustbins would be emptied to check any kind of explosive material,” said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity.
Despite repeated attempts, no official from the OC could be reached for comments.
{{/usCountry}}Despite repeated attempts, no official from the OC could be reached for comments.
{{/usCountry}}Police sources said there was a minor rift between security personnel and the OC even on Sunday morning when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium at Lodhi Colony to check the preparedness of the venue ahead of the Games.
“There was an issue between the security personnel and the officials posted there when some of the dustbins were overturned as part of security check,” said another officer.
The anti-sabotage checks at all venues and stadias would be carried out several times before an event starts, during the events and even after it has ended. “After the serial blasts we are not taking any chances,” said the officer.