Illuminating dark spots, more CCTVs: Security up at Metro, railway stations for G20 Summit

Awareness drives are being carried out inside Metro compartments by teams comprising Delhi Metro’s flying squads, Delhi Police officers and CISF officials on a regular basis. “Anyone who enters the women’s compartment or indulges in obscene activities is challaned on the spot or legal action is taken,” said an officer.

In view of recent incidents of walls of station premises being defaced by men allegedly associated with Khalistani elements, CISF and Delhi Police officers said they will keep a close watch outside the stations to ensure no notorious element roams around.

“A compendium of habitual criminals in the Metro — snatchers, pickpockets and cable thieves — is created regularly and will be circulated among all staff members in order to quickly identify and arrest such elements,” said another officer.

A CISF official said, “Staff has been specifically trained to detect any suspicious property inside commuters’ baggage and ensure extensive frisking.”

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police’s Railway unit has procured essential equipment like searchlights, public announcement systems and high-quality binoculars.

A senior police officer said a sufficient number of barricades, ropes, loud hailers and batons have been arranged and provided to all police stations of the railway unit for crowd control.

Officers further said deployment has been strengthened around abandoned huts and structures near railway station premises as these tend to become hiding spots for snatchers who enter compartments and steal valuables from commuters. “Railway authorities are being made aware of this,” said an officer.

Additionally, 75 CCTV cameras have been installed at major locations, especially at dark spots — currently more than 40 — for better monitoring. “Patrolling by the RPF and Delhi Police units will be carried out across stations and tracks to ensure commuters do not cross over to get to the other side. Parking lots in dark areas have been illuminated along with tracks and circulating areas,” said an officer.

Authorities at railway stations falling in Delhi-NCR have also been told to keep a lookout for criminal elements or snap demonstrators and organised groups. “A database of mischief mongers and possible miscreants has also been updated to ensure better coordination…,” said the officer.

A crackdown on touts operating around the station premises has also been carried out, with most being booked under the Delhi Prevention of Touting and Malpractices Act.

DCP (Railways) Apoorva Gupta said staff has also been deployed on routes that will see VIP movement. “Proper liaisoning with RPF and railway authorities such as station masters, parking contractors, owners of food kiosks, auto and taxi unions and coolies is being done regularly. To ensure tamper-proof duty passes to staff, adequate measures will be taken to avoid impersonation and misuse by bad elements,” said the DCP.