Security ramped up in Delhi amid intelligence alert

Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi tweeted, “Citizens’ vigil against suspicious persons/objects/activities is vital to counter terrorism. Report anything amiss no. 100 or helpline 1090.”

“On Sunday morning, Bassi held a meeting and sought help of paramilitary forces in providing security, especially around vital installations in the city,” said a source.

The intelligence input is about three members of Jaish-e-Muhammad, which is suspected to be involved in the Pathankot terror attack, the source added. They are suspected to be planning high-profile attacks or hostage crisis, said the source, adding that Jaish-e-Muhammad has collaborated with other banned terror outfits to carry out an attack.

Delhi was put on high alert Saturday in the wake of the Pathankot terror attack. Subsequently, Delhi Police got additional companies of paramilitary forces. Security was increased at airports, railway stations, bus stands, armed forces’ establishments, among other places.

Security was also ramped up in popular market places and the VIP zone in Lutyens’ Delhi.

Officials of the Crime Branch and special cell of Delhi Police were also roped in, said another source.

“We have given instructions to put up barricades and round-the-clock checking is being conducted. Officers’ leaves have been cancelled,” the source added.
At a meeting recently, intelligence officials informed senior officials of Special Cell that several terror organisations, especially Lashkar-e-Toiba, were desperate to carry out high-impact attacks in Delhi as well as elsewhere in the country, said sources.

“Keeping in mind the terror threat, it is necessary for the local police to be prepared round-the-clock, and also to conduct mock drills to assess the response time, status of weapons and equipment, mobility and coordination with other special forces,” the sources added.

Heightened security checks led to traffic slowdown at different points in the city.

“Usually, local police put up three pickets on stretches past 11 pm, but the numbers were increased on Sunday. The numbers were doubled in central and south Delhi. Teams from the PCR, traffic police and specialised units are also posted at the barricades,” said a senior police officer.