Delhi fortified ahead of Independence Day

 At least 6,000 security personnel will fan across the Capital ahead of the 65th Independence Day function at Red Fort on August 15 and a full dress rehearsal on August 13 to keep vigil.

Sharpshooters of the National Security Guards will be deployed at tall buildings, while police officials, mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and paramilitary commandos will keep a close watch.

According to deputy commissioner of police (north) Sindhu Pillai, the force will be deployed on August 13 evening during the full dress rehearsal, and starting August 14 midnight they will move towards Red Fort and surrounding areas.

“With deployment of 6,000 police personnel, three zones of security arrangement will be put into place during the event. At least 58 CCTV cameras will be installed on the periphery of Red Fort,” Pillai said.

“Our focus will be on strict vigil during the function at the venue. The 5,000 seating capacity in and outside the fort which will include VVIPs too,” she said.

A special meeting was also held on security measures during Independence Day at the police headquarters on Saturday under the supervision of Dharmender Kumar, special commissioner of police (law and order). Police commissioner Neeraj Kumar will also hold a meeting with senior officials on Monday to take note of arrangements.

All hotels and restaurants in Paharganj, Jama Masjid and areas near Red Fort are under the scanner. Even rickshaw-pullers and vendors are being asked to look out for any suspicious objects or people.

Dharmender Kumar said “security is not only limited to Red Fort and Jama Masjid area but it is being beefed up in the entire Capital”.

“Every nook and corner leading to Red Fort is being monitored by hundreds of CCTV cameras.” Border areas will be sealed since August 14 midnight, added Kumar.