The Delhi Police has ramped up security ahead of Republic Day celebrations, resulting in significant seizures and increased vigilance, news agency PTI reported citing officials on Friday. Authorities have bolstered their presence with intensified patrolling and round-the-clock vehicle checks across strategic locations. This has led to six arrests this week, with police confiscating 12 pistols and 75 live cartridges in separate operations, as per the report.
"We received secret information that a member of a Madhya Pradesh-based firearms dealer, Pushpendra Singh, would come to Kalindi Kunj Road on January 7 to deliver firearms to his associates," Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) HGS Dhaliwal told news agency PTI.
The Special Cell of the Delhi Police made notable progress by apprehending three firearms suppliers, one of whom was identified as a former state-level athlete, Pushpendra Singh. Acting on confidential information, the police intercepted Singh and two associates, Naeem, and Manish Bhati, on January 7 at Kalindi Kunj Road, recovering 12 pistols from their possession, the report said.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident near the ITO bridge, 22-year-old Ehti Sham-ul from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, was detained during a routine vehicle check. The police seized 45 live cartridges from him.
Furthermore, the North District Police apprehended two people receiving a consignment of 12 pistols and 30 live cartridges from an arms smuggler based in Meerut, according to the PTI report. Although the smuggler managed to evade arrest, the seized weapons and ammunition further underscored security concerns leading up to the Republic Day parade.
A senior police official told PTI that the meticulous preparations, with over 8,000 personnel on high alert. To ensure swift responses in emergencies, the force is conducting regular mock drills, including simulated bomb threats across multiple police stations such as Dariyaganj, Nabi Karim, and Kamla Market, the report added.
The report added that the mock exercises aim to refine coordination among various units and agencies, enhancing preparedness for potential security threats. Alongside these measures, drone surveillance was initiated in the Yamuna Khadar area of Geeta Colony, it added.
The police have also conducted anti-sabotage checks at Laxmi Nagar Metro Station, bustling markets, and other high-footfall areas, the report said. Vigilance has been particularly heightened around railway stations, inter-state bus terminals, and accommodations like hotels and guesthouses.
In addition to these efforts, the Delhi Police emphasised strict enforcement of Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, targeting individuals violating public servant directives, according to the report. Continuous monitoring via CCTV control rooms has been implemented across vital locations and Delhi's border regions, with authorities urging the public to promptly report any suspicious activities.