The Delhi Police has dissed the claims that went viral on WhatsApp that several parts of the city will be targeted by terrorists on Friday. Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi appealed to the citizens of the Capital to not trust the canards saying “there is no such threat perception. There is no credence to such rumours.”
Vigil was heightened in the national Capital on Monday, especially at public places like malls, in the wake of the hostage crisis in Sydney. According to a senior police official, security was stepped up in popular malls and areas, which have clusters of cafés and restaurants as it was a popular café in Martin Place, which was targeted in Sydney. The force is on its toes these days ahead of Christmas and New Year, which would be followed by the visit of US President Barack Obama to India.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had also issued an alert on December 16 asking the immediate attention of all Intelligence and law enforcement agencies across India. “It is felt that till the end of January 2015, security forces and Intelligence agencies need to remain on high alert to prevent untoward incidents witnessed recently elsewhere in the neighbourhood as well as in other parts of the world,” states the release by the MHA.
It further states that the law enforcement agencies should take all measures towards ‘target hardening’ of vulnerable places and installations. This includes public places with high footfall, public transport, including railways and schools in particular. Security alertness will be continued till January 2015. In the last couple of days, mock drills have been organised at various locations in the Capital.
In Delhi, a total of 139 entertainment and eating hubs have been identified as possible targets. At the same time, 255 routes leading to various important places have also been identified as possible threats. “I don’t want to get into specifics but we have received alerts and Intelligence inputs. We have briefed concerned officers and steps are being taken to enhance security,” said the Commissioner.
A message on WhatsApp has been doing rounds, which has also been posted on social networking sites predicting the day of terror attacks in the Capital (Friday). It also states that Delhiites should avoid places like Connaught Place, Sarojini Nagar, lajpat Nagar and other crowded places. “People should not believe in hearsay. Strict action will be taken against those who are spreading such canards,” added the Commissioner.
Delhi Police is on a high alert and security has been beefed up at prominent five-star hotels, schools, colleges and malls in the Capital in the wake of the advisory issued by the Home Ministry and brutal terror attacks in an Army-run school at Peshawar in Pakistan in which more than 140 people, mostly children, were killed.
A heightened security is visible in the city with SWAT teams positioned outside important installations. Several quick reaction teams (QRTs) and quick response vehicles (QRVs) have been asked to remain on standby to deal with any eventuality. Given the Intelligence input about possible terror strike, Delhi Police, Fire Department, bomb squad and disaster management agencies are conducting mock drills at prominent places like India Habitat Centre, malls, Metro stations to ready for any eventuality. Delhi Police has already issued a set of guidelines to schools and colleges asking them to keep their gates shut when classes are on and allow entry only after proper verification.