With the Intelligence Bureau and the Delhi police picking up a lot of chatter indicating that terror groups may try to disrupt the event, the security cover for the swearing-in for Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi is the highest the nation has ever seen. Vicky Nanjappa reports
The Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing have set up special control rooms to monitor each and every conversation. In the past 48 hours, they have picked up nearly 10 actionable alerts -- both from within India and outside. Information is being passed on in real time and a core team is analysing all the intelligence. Coordination with the state intelligence wings is also in full swing.
While these security arrangements are similar to the one we get to see during the Republic Day parade, what makes this bigger is that man being sworn-in tops the hit-list of the terrorists, thus making the security around him bigger.
These could be empty threats as well aimed at distracting the security forces, an officer pointed out. The fact that heads of state from Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be at the swearing-in, the Delhi police have provided a five-layer security system. Section 144 has been imposed around the area, and this would stay in place for the next 45 days.
Members of the Delhi police and paramilitary forces who number around 10,000 will form a layer each. The NSG would form the inner layer of the security.
While this is the situation on the ground, there is also heavy security in the air. The Indian Air Force is on the job to thwart any sort of aerial attack. Drones have also been deployed to ensure better aerial surveillance. Around 50 snipers have been in their positions since the past 48 hours. They are closely monitoring the situation and have been instructed to shoot down anyone or anything that poses a threat.
Another layer of the security is being formed by the special weapons and tactics team. They have already sanitised the area and have been conducting mock drills since the past three days. In addition, there are the dog and bomb disposal squads.
There would be several spotters among the crowd. They have been on the job since the past three days and are observing all movements.
There is heavy police presence in the old city this area has been notorious for modules of Indian Mujahideen. In addition, there is a country-wide alert sounded by the IB to watch for any activity, since some may try and carry out an attack only to time it with the swearing-in.
Image for representation only.
