Delhi Police Enforces Stringent Security Measures Ahead of Independence Day Celebrations

Delhi Police has significantly ramped up security measures ahead of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, deploying over 3,000 traffic officers, more than 10,000 police personnel, and 700 AI-based facial recognition cameras throughout New Delhi.

Additional police units and paramilitary forces are stationed at key locations, including IGI Airport, railway stations, bus stands, malls, and markets. On Independence Day, over 3,000 traffic police officers will be deployed at major junctions across the capital and on roads connecting the city’s borders to the Red Fort.

“Multiple layers of security will be implemented at the Red Fort. We’ve installed 700 AI-powered facial recognition cameras to ensure comprehensive security for the event,” stated a senior police officer.

These high-resolution cameras, equipped with pan-tilt-zoom features, will be positioned around the Red Fort to enhance surveillance capabilities. Over 10,000 security personnel will be on duty at the historic fort as Prime Minister Modi delivers his address to the nation.

The police will also utilize a smartphone-based application to verify the identities of attendees at the Red Fort. Additional security measures include the deployment of snipers, SWAT commandos, kite catchers, and sharpshooters at strategic locations to ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and other VVIP guests.

The recent assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump has heightened the importance of sniper roles during this year’s Independence Day. During a recent security meeting, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora emphasized the need for stringent security at the Red Fort, drawing parallels with the attack on Trump.

On August 9, 2024, Delhi Police arrested Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali, a wanted terrorist affiliated with the Pune module of ISIS, at the Delhi-Faridabad border. A .30-bore pistol, live cartridges, and mobile phones were recovered from his possession. Ali is suspected of conducting reconnaissance for a potential attack on VIPs in the Delhi-NCR region. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously announced a ₹3 lakh reward for information leading to his capture.

In response to this development, police teams have intensified patrolling, anti-sabotage checks, and the verification of tenants and servants in hotels, guest houses, parking lots, and restaurants. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Manoj Kumar Meena mentioned that security arrangements are being made for the 20,000 to 22,000 guests expected to attend the Independence Day program.

Guests are encouraged to use the metro for transportation to the venue, where multi-layered security will be in place. Meetings with area SHOs are ongoing to ensure law and order. DCP IGI Airport Usha Rangnani affirmed the airport’s readiness for the event, while Shahdara DCP Surendra Choudhary confirmed heightened safety measures, including tenant verifications, foot patrols, community vigilance, and mock drills.

To further enhance security, the areas surrounding the Red Fort will be designated as a “no kite flying zone” until the event concludes. Specialized personnel will be stationed at strategic locations to intercept any kites. Additionally, the Delhi Police has banned the flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms like paragliders, hang-gliders, and hot air balloons across the national capital from August 2-16.