Tight security blanket ensures peaceful I-Day in Delhi

NEW DELHI - Anti-aircraft guns, 35 CCTV cameras and around 3,000 security personnel deployed at the Red Fort alone - Delhi Police ensured tight security for the Independence Day celebrations here Sunday amid a nationwide alert in the wake of terror threats.

Delhi Police, along with paramilitary forces, security and intelligence agencies, left no stone unturned to spread a security blanket across the capital. The city’s borders were sealed till 9 a.m. to ensure that no commercial vehicles entered the capital while the official functions were on. Only private vehicles were allowed but that too after thorough inspection at various police check posts.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and some other distinguished leaders were guarded by the Special Protection Group and National Security Guard commandos at the Red Fort where the tricolour was hoisted. Air space restrictions were in force till the ceremony was over.

“We are very happy that Delhi Police personnel lived up to the expectation of everyone. There was no news of any kind of disruption from any part of the capital. Everything went off very peacefully,” said Delhi POlice spokesperson Rajan Bhagat.

Around 100 police control room vans were deployed along the route taken by Manmohan Singh from the heart of New Delhi to Red Fort. Around 3,000 security personnel were deployed at the Red Fort apart from 170 companies of police personnel and paramilitary forces.

More than 35 CCTV cameras were placed at various points in and around the Red Fort and anti-aircraft guns were positioned at strategic places to guard the complex.

Besides the Red Fort, an intense vigil was maintained on key installations like the parliament complex, international airport, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and Metro stations.

Delhi Metro too stepped up the security arrangements and issued directions that no parking facilities would be available at its stations from 2 p.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday.