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A red alert was sounded in the national capital over intelligence inputs of a possible terror strike which threw Delhi Police and other security agencies into a tizzy on a day when multiple attacks by militants in Jammu and Kashmir left several persons dead.
Security was beefed up across the national capital on Friday with Delhi Police's SWAT and HIT teams being deployed at important installations like airports, railway stations, bus terminals, Metro stations and malls.
Enhanced security was also witnessed at places like India Gate and Red Fort while PCR vans were deployed at strategic locations. The Special Cell of Delhi Police and its intelligence wing kept tabs on any movements of suspected elements throughout the day.
"There was an intelligence input about the possibility of a terror strike in a north Indian city today. It is possible that the attacks in J-K could be what the input was about. Red alert was sounded in the national capital and we were ready for any eventuality," said a senior police official.
As Delhi Police heaved a sigh of relief after the day had passed without incident, Commissioner BS Bassi in the evening reviewed the preparedness of the force at a meeting via video conferencing with all the district DCPs.
Militants on Friday carried with multiple attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 11 security personnel. A top LeT commander and seven militants were also killed in the attacks, which left two civilians dead.
Other than its Special Weapons and Tactics, or SWAT, commandos, Delhi Police has formed HIT teams at all police stations with seven personnel, including a driver. The team has modern automatic weapons like AKMs or MP5 guns as well as bullet-proof jackets.
"These teams have been formed to tackle any planned attack on the lines of the 26/11 strike in Mumbai. They will be deployed at strategic locations in the coming two-month period," the official added.
The possible scenario of the upcoming assembly polls coinciding with the visit of American President Barack Obama to attend the Republic Day celebrations in January will present a "challenge" for Delhi Police.
"We are reviewing security arrangements to be implemented during the assembly elections, which may possibly coincide with the visit of Obama. It will throw up a challenge for us," Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat had said.
The presence of the US President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with a host of dignitaries at the Republic Day parade in an open ceremony will be a never-before high-stakes event for the security establishment.