Delhi Police Beefs Up Security Ahead of Independence Day Celebrations

New Delhi: Ahead of Independence Day, Delhi Police has significantly bolstered security measures by deploying over 3,000 traffic police officers, more than 10,000 police personnel, and 700 AI-based facial recognition cameras across the national capital. Additional police teams and paramilitary forces have been stationed at key locations, including IGI Airport, railway stations, bus stands, malls, and markets.

On Independence Day, over 3,000 traffic police officers will manage traffic at major junctions and roads connecting the borders to the Red Fort.

"Multiple layers of security will be in place at the Red Fort. We have procured 700 AI-based facial recognition CCTV cameras to ensure robust security arrangements," a senior police officer said. These cameras, equipped with high-resolution pan-tilt-zoom features, will be installed in and around the fort to identify individuals from a distance. More than 10,000 security personnel will be deployed at the Red Fort during Prime Minister Modi's address to the nation.

Police will also use a smartphone-based application to verify the identities of people attending the event at the Red Fort, an officer added.

Snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers, and sharpshooters will be positioned at strategic locations to ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and other VVIP guests, police said. The recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump has heightened the importance of sniper roles this Independence Day. In a recent meeting regarding Red Fort's security, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora emphasized stringent security measures.

Recently, Delhi Police arrested a wanted terrorist, Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali, a member of ISIS's Pune module, near the Delhi-Faridabad border. A .30-bore pistol, three live cartridges, and two mobile phones were seized from him. Ali, suspected of conducting reconnaissance for a possible attack on VIPs in Delhi-NCR, had a Rs 3 lakh reward on his capture.

Following this development, police have intensified patrolling and anti-sabotage checks. Hotels, guest houses, parking lots, and restaurants are being inspected, and tenant and servant verifications are underway. Meetings are being held with resident and market welfare associations to ensure public safety.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Manoj Kumar Meena stated that elaborate security measures are in place for the more than 20,000 to 22,000 guests expected to attend the programme. He urged attendees to use the metro, with all metro gates open and multi-layered security arrangements in place.

DCP IGI Airport Usha Rangnani affirmed that the IGI Airport police team, in collaboration with paramilitary forces, is dedicated to ensuring security at the airport for Independence Day.

Shahdara DCP Surendra Choudhary mentioned that the district is enhancing safety measures with tenant verifications, round-the-clock patrols, community vigilance, and mock drills.

The areas surrounding the Red Fort will be designated as a "no kite flying zone" until the event concludes. Personnel will be stationed at strategic locations with necessary equipment to intercept kites.

Delhi Police has also prohibited the flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms such as paragliders, hang-gliders, and hot air balloons in the national capital from August 2-16 for security reasons, as per an order issued by the Delhi Police Chief.