Ahead of India’s Independence Day on August 15th, a serious security lapse has been exposed at the Red Fort in Delhi. Seven police officers, including constables and head constables, have been suspended due to the incident. The Delhi Police regularly conduct security drills as part of their preparations for the Independence Day celebrations.
On Saturday, a Special Cell team conducted an exercise where they entered the Red Fort premises with a dummy bomb while dressed in civilian clothes. The police officers stationed at the fort failed to identify the mock bomb, leading to their suspension.
The entry of the Special Cell team into the Red Fort with a dummy bomb indicates a significant failure at multiple levels of the security system. Considering the seriousness of the lapse, the Deputy Commissioner took immediate action and suspended seven police personnel.
The mock drill, as stated by Deputy Commissioner Raja Banthia, was conducted to assess the security measures in place before August 15th. However, the ease with which the team entered the fort raises serious concerns about the security arrangements, especially given that the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the Red Fort every year, with numerous guests and citizens in attendance.
The incident has triggered a state of alarm within the police and security agencies. The Deputy Commissioner has ordered concerned officials to immediately review the security arrangements and devise a new plan. They have also been directed to strengthen the security cordon, ensure proper deployment of personnel, and implement modern technological resources.
The Red Fort is a potential target for terrorists and anti-social elements. During national events like Independence Day, the entire capital city is on high alert. Any security failure can lead to a grave threat to national security. Alongside the suspensions, a departmental investigation is underway against the police officers.
In a separate incident, the Delhi Police have arrested five Bangladeshi citizens for attempting to forcefully enter the Red Fort complex. They are all illegal immigrants, aged around 20-25, and are employed as laborers in Delhi. The police have seized some Bangladeshi documents from them. Further interrogation is in progress.