Delhi Police intensifies security across national capital ahead of Independence Day

Ahead of Independence Day, Delhi Police has intensified security arrangements across the national capital, with heightened patrolling, vehicle checking, drone surveillance and mock drills being conducted to ensure the smooth conduct of celebrations, officers said.

Security has been stepped up along the city’s borders, at crowded markets, malls, hotels, public places and other sensitive locations. At the Aya Nagar border adjoining Haryana, police and paramilitary forces were deployed on Thursday and vehicles entering the city were being checked, they said.

Keeping a close watch on suspicious persons, vehicles and objects, police teams have also intensified patrolling and preventive checking in several districts, they said.

In East Delhi, police have been conducting intensive checking in sensitive and crowded areas. Drones are being used to monitor the Yamuna river along with the Yamuna Khadar and other vulnerable stretches, while security arrangements at markets, malls and other public places are being reviewed, the officials said.

As part of preparations to tackle large gatherings and potential law-and-order challenges, the northeast district police conducted a comprehensive mock drill on crowd management.

All station house officers and around 200 police personnel participated in the exercise, which focused on coordinated responses to agitations, demonstrations, violent protests and riot-like situations.

Personnel were given practical training in crowd-control equipment, including water cannons, Vajra vehicles and tear smoke guns. The drill also focused on formations, tactical positioning, team coordination and rapid response for the effective dispersal of unruly crowds while maintaining public safety.

Meanwhile, the heightened security measures have also led to the interception of a suspected armed criminal in Northwest Delhi.

Police said personnel from Mukherji Nagar police station intercepted a suspicious car on Wednesday evening.

The driver and his passenger allegedly abandoned the vehicle and tried to flee. Police apprehended one of them, identified as Salman, 27, a resident of Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh, while his associate managed to escape.

An automatic pistol and 10 live cartridges were allegedly recovered from Salman, while five additional live rounds were found in the dashboard of the vehicle, taking the total recovery to 15 cartridges, police said.

The accused has previously been involved in robbery and snatching cases, police said. An FIR under the Arms Act has been registered at Mukherji Nagar police station and efforts are underway to trace his associate.

Senior officers have directed police teams to maintain heightened vigilance in the days leading up to August 15, with preventive checks and surveillance being carried out at strategic locations.

Security agencies are also maintaining close coordination to monitor possible threats and ensure uninterrupted movement of people while preventing attempts to disrupt Independence Day celebrations.

Police have appealed to citizens to remain alert and immediately report any suspicious person, object or activity to the authorities.