A serious security lapse has come to light at Delhi’s Red Fort, where the Prime Minister hoists the tricolor every year on Independence Day. Police have arrested 5 illegal Bangladeshi citizens while trying to forcibly enter the Red Fort.
Also, 7 policemen have been suspended for failing to detect a fake bomb during a security exercise (mock drill).
Who are the arrested people?
The five youths caught are illegal citizens of Bangladesh. Their age is between 20 to 25 years. They used to work as laborers in Delhi and do not have any valid documents. The police have also found some Bangladeshi documents from them.
The police are questioning the following:
- Why did they want to enter the Red Fort?
- Was their motive any crime or terrorist activity?
- Is there any gang or organization behind them?
Big negligence in mock drill
Delhi Police is conducting mock drills every day to test security before Independence Day. A major security lapse was revealed in one such drill conducted on Saturday. A member of the police’s special cell arrived near the Red Fort in ordinary clothes carrying a dummy bomb. But the policemen deployed there could not recognize this fake bomb. Due to this negligence, 7 policemen have been suspended.
Why is this incident very serious?
The Red Fort is one of the most heavily guarded places in the country, especially on 15 August. Leaders and officials from across the country, including the Prime Minister, are present there. In such a situation, incidents like illegal intrusion and the unearthing of dummy bombs are alarm bells for the security of the country.
What further steps were taken?
Delhi Police has tightened security in and around the Red Fort. CCTV footage has been reviewed, dog squads, and bomb detection units have been activated. A verification drive has been launched to identify illegal immigrants.