At a time when the terror threat in and around the national capital is at an all-time high ahead of the Republic Day, serious lapses flagged by the intelligence agencies could bode ill for the national capital, especially in view of the heightened security alert.
The Intelligence Bureau has identified at least 700 non-functional CCTVs out of nearly 5,000 installed in several parts of the national capital.
As per information available, all 136 cameras installed at the Old Delhi Railway Station are out of order. The station, located in the heart of the city, is around 2km away from the iconic Red Fort where the parade culminates.
At the New Delhi Railway Station, which is always heavily crowded, there are no Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs) that are used to detect bullets, ammunition tubes, pistols, coins, keys and other metal objects, the IB said. The station lies within a radius of 5 km from the Rajpath, the venue of the R-Day parade.
When Delhi Police was questioned on the IB’s report, they claimed that wherever cameras have been found to be malfunctioning, they are being repaired.
The IB has also pointed out that there are several guest houses and lodges in different parts of the city that are operating without proper licences, thus providing easy accommodation to elements that are waiting for opportunities to distrust the law and order situation.
“All security arrangements are in place. The security blanket has been divided into various tiers. All roads leading to Rajpath will be closed for the general public and only cars with stickers will be allowed. Commandos, snipers and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) will also be present. The general public should stay alert and inform the police about suspicious activities," Special Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), Mukesh Kumar Meena said.
The IB has also alerted government officials that that terror groups may plan an Istanbul- or 9/11-like strike in Delhi-NCR.
It has specifically mentioned that a host of intelligence inputs suggesting that international terror outfits are planning something big. Besides, the IB has identified at least 39 vulnerable areas in the capital which need to be closely monitored.
That is not all. Another report suggests that Pakistan-based terror groups may use Afghan IDs to sneak into India and carry out attacks.
The Special Protection Group, responsible for providing security to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leaders, has asked the police to extend their searches and scan all buildings within 2.5 km of Rajpath.
Intelligence inputs suggest that Pakistan-based terror groups could use Afghan passports to try and get into India.
