New Delhi: A year after a high-intensity blast ripped through the area near Red Fort, Delhi Police has significantly strengthened security arrangements around the historic monument, increasing surveillance, deploying additional private security guards and making anti-sabotage checks a regular exercise to prevent any untoward incident.
The explosion, which took place near the Red Fort Metro station on Nov 10 last year, triggered a security review in the national capital, particularly in the sensitive areas of Old Delhi . Since then, police have stepped up monitoring of the area, with more than 300 CCTV cameras installed to keep a close watch on movement and activities around the monument and adjoining localities, police sources said. The personnel strength was earlier doubled from 17 to 35 officers at the Red Fort police post to improve on-ground monitoring and law enforcement.
Police said they are maintaining coordination with other security agencies and local businesses to ensure all security concerns are immediately reported and verified.
Such vehicles are subsequently checked by cops and bomb and dog squads, police officials said. Many of these cameras are equipped with advanced video analytics featuring the facial recognition technology linked to a comprehensive criminal database. The cameras are being used to strengthen surveillance and help security personnel track suspicious movement. Police are also coordinating with local traders and other stakeholders to improve security coverage in the crowded market areas. Police teams conduct regular inspections of the area and dog squads are often deployed to check for suspicious objects and possible threats. Bomb disposal teams are also involved in security inspections as part of the enhanced arrangements. The security of parking areas has also received special attention. The number of security guards has been increased to ensure they can keep a watch on vehicles and alert police if they notice anything suspicious. Particular attention is being paid to vehicles parked for unusually long periods or those whose presence cannot be verified. A vehicle equipped with a facial recognition system has also been stationed near the monument during large gatherings to assist in identifying any suspicious persons.