After Hyderabad blasts, India Gate out of bounds for visitors

The India Gate remained out of bounds for visitors Sunday too following a home ministry alert after the terror bombings in Hyderabad, and security was tightened across the national capital, police said.

Authorities closed the sprawling India Gate area Saturday evening, though earlier Sunday visitors were allowed on the lawns of the Central Vista. The war memorial draws thousands of visitors on holidays.

The restrictions were placed after a terror strike Thursday  in Andhra Pradesh capital Hyderabad left 16 killed and over 115 injured. "The entry for common people has been restricted near Amar Jawan Jyoti circle at India Gate," said a police officer.

The security has been beefed up at other vulnerable places also in the city, including bus stands, markets and tourists spots. "This is being done as precautionary measure," Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deepak Mishra told IANS.

Delhi Police's quick reaction team has been deployed at India Gate. Roads leading to the India Gate complex have been barricaded,  but restrictions were relaxed for a few hours earlier in the day.

"People were allowed to visit here for a few hours. But the restrictions will be in place in the evening," a police officer deputed at the India Gate told IANS.