Taking no chances post-Mumbai attacks,20,000 cops to guard city on R-Day

After the Mumbai attacks,there are inputs about possible strikes in the Capital,Dadwal said at a press conference in the Police Headquarters. “We are making tight arrangements for the event.”

Electronic surveillance,he said,will also be increased. Dadwal also appealed to the people to help the police as the situation calls for such strict enforcement.

A meeting of the heads of police forces in Delhi and adjoining areas have already reviewed security preparations in the National Capital Region (NCR) and decided to increase sharing of intelligence and information regarding criminals and gangs operating in the region. Police sources said a massive ground-to-air security apparatus will be put in place in the Capital for the Republic Day.

A multi-layer security ring will also be put in place at the Rajpath,where President Pratibha Patil will unfurl the Tricolour and take the salute of marching contingents.

Police officials added that the security establishment has already placed a detachment of fighter planes at the Indian Air Force’s base in Hindon of Uttar Pradesh to provide air defence.

The police will install around 100 CCTVs on the parade route by this weekend,it was announced. The police plan to install 22 CCTVs on the 1.5-km Rajpath,where country’s political and military brass will be present on the occasion.

Dadwal also said that given the rise in number of crime cases against senior citizens,the police have decided to conduct a survey of senior citizens residing in the city to ensure better security for them. The survey will begin from February 1 and will cover each and every house in the Capital,the police chief said.