New Delhi: Delhi Police is implementing extensive security measures around the Red Fort and across the capital in preparation for India’s Independence Day celebrations on August 15. These enhanced security protocols include the deployment of advanced technologies such as facial recognition systems (FRS) and the Abhigyan application for fingerprint-based identification to detect individuals with criminal backgrounds in crowded areas. Officials have stated that these measures are a critical part of a multi-layered security operation designed to ensure a safe and incident-free celebration.
Intensified Surveillance and Technological Deployment
A significant deployment of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 personnel from the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces is anticipated for the event. To bolster surveillance capabilities, over 1,000 high-definition CCTV cameras, many equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based video analytics including Facial Recognition Systems (FRS), automatic number plate recognition, and intrusion detection, have been installed at the Red Fort and its surroundings. A dedicated, high-tech CCTV control room has been established within the Red Fort, where police personnel and technical teams will monitor the area around the clock. This surveillance network extends several kilometers beyond the Red Fort, aiming to provide comprehensive monitoring.
The Abhigyan application, launched recently by the Union Home Minister, represents a new layer in the screening process. Developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), this application is linked to the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS). Authorized police personnel are utilizing handheld devices to collect fingerprints of randomly selected individuals, which are then checked against a vast database containing over one crore criminal records. The system is designed to provide identification results within seconds, flagging individuals with criminal records through a red indication on the screen, while a green indication signifies no criminal record found. Officials have noted that this technology is crucial for identifying wanted suspects, absconders, and repeat offenders.
Multi-Agency Coordination and Threat Assessment
Security arrangements have been strengthened in light of intelligence inputs suggesting potential threats. Delhi Police has also convened interstate coordination meetings with senior police officers from 11 states and Union Territories to finalize a joint security strategy and enhance intelligence sharing. These meetings have covered topics such as monitoring and regulation of drones and other flying objects, timely sharing of intelligence on suspicious persons and vehicles, and strengthening action against interstate criminal gangs. Discussions have also included measures to curb the illegal supply of firearms and narcotics, as well as traffic management plans and restrictions during the celebrations.
Anti-drone systems have been deployed to counter any unauthorized aerial activity, and specialized units such as SWAT commandos, bomb disposal squads, and dog squads are on standby. Snipers will be positioned at strategic elevated locations. To test operational readiness, joint counter-terrorism exercises, such as “Sudarshan Shakti-V,” have been conducted involving the Delhi Police, National Security Guard (NSG), and central and state agencies. The police have also increased visible patrols and vehicle checks across the national capital, including vital installations, government buildings, markets, and transport hubs.
Technological Integration for Law Enforcement
The integration of technology into law enforcement is a key focus. Facial recognition systems have been previously deployed by Delhi Police during major public events and protests, with databases containing records of known criminals and individuals with past offenses. The Abhigyan app, linked to NAFIS, allows for swift biometric verification in the field, enhancing the capabilities of police personnel during routine checks and at large gatherings. While the legal basis for such surveillance technology in India is still evolving, with no dedicated law specifically regulating facial recognition, the Delhi Police operates under existing orders authorizing its use for identifying suspected individuals and known criminals. The FRS database is reported to contain hundreds of thousands of criminal records, enabling rapid comparison with individuals encountered during security operations.
Security agencies have intensified surveillance and preventive measures, including the prominent display of posters of wanted terror suspects in various locations across the city. This public awareness initiative aims to encourage citizens to share any information that could assist in tracing individuals linked to banned terrorist organizations. The multi-layered security approach, combining human resources with advanced technological surveillance, aims to create a secure environment for the national celebration at the historic Red Fort.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
