Over 10,000 personnel, dog squads, snipers: How Delhi Police ensured foolproof security for VVIPs

A source told The Indian Express: “We were told about the plans for the visit to India Gate, Rajghat and crafts museum along with two-three other venues in New Delhi district. When the Sunaks decided to visit the temple, which is in East Delhi, we sent multiple forces along with snipers there. Several traffic restrictions were also made.”

On the Rajghat visit, the source said, “The Rajghat wreath-laying ceremony was also planned last month itself. We had sufficient forces around the area. The leaders also had their own security forces. Everything went off smoothly…”

Police personnel patrol outside Rajghat ahead of the G20 Summit, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

More than 2,000 personnel were deployed in Central Delhi, South Delhi and other important venues where the police expected VVIP movement.

“Almost all our staff including Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and Joint CPs were on the ground. Special CP-level officers were also checking the arrangements. The entire traffic police force along with snipers, commandos and other army personnel were present outside the Rajghat, Akshardham Temple, NGMA, India Gate and other venues,” said another officer.
The officer said several police vans, K-9 squad dogs and snipers were shifted from one place to another to ensure everyone was safe. “We are working with the Army, the PM’s personal security group, the dignitaries and their contingents. We ensured public persons were not allowed near the venues. Only bonafide residents and emergency services movement were allowed,” added the officer.

Special pickets were set up across the Delhi-Noida route and near Akshardham for the Sunaks’ visit. Police said they didn’t receive a lot of traffic congestion calls as it was a public holiday and diversions were created for vehicular movement.

Security checks were conducted hours before at the temple and Rajghat with bomb disposal squad and army personnel, said an officer. The army also used an Optical Target Locator along with AI-based cameras.

Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Dependra Pathak said the Delhi Police was ready with all the arrangements and was actively working round-the-clock to see security, traffic, VVIP movement and city policing.

“We made several plans in case new venues were added to the agenda. A substantial number of personnel were on the ground. Police staffers were in vans, on horses, with dogs…we used different means to ensure we could reach all spaces and take care of all events happening in the city without disturbing anyone,” he said.

Police said they didn’t receive a lot of traffic congestion calls as it was a public holiday and diversions were created for vehicular movement. (PTI)

Helpline received over 2,000 queries a day: Traffic police

According to a statement released by Delhi Police, the G-20 Traffic Virtual Helpdesk website that was established for the Summit was visited by more than 1.63 lakh people between September 7 and 10. “On average, the WhatsApp Helpline received 2,000 queries per day. Delhi Traffic Police’s Twitter handle also provided clarifications to 75 queries per day. A dedicated Ambulance Assistance Control Room with Helpline number (6828400604/112) was set up to help people during medical emergencies. It received 24 calls from 07.09.23 to 10.09.23,” the statement read. “Not a single call of an ambulance stuck in a traffic jam and not allowed to move was received during the summit duration. Total 440 calls regarding the need for an ambulance were received on ERSS-112 and were handled promptly with positive feedback,” it added.