7 Delhi cops suspended after dummy bomb goes undetected in Red Fort security drill

Amid heightened security measures ahead of Independence Day celebrations at the iconic Red Fort in North Delhi, seven policemen have been suspended after failing to detect a dummy bomb during a mock security drill.

According to police sources, personnel from the Special Cell, disguised as civilians, entered the Red Fort premises carrying a dummy explosive device, which went unnoticed by the on-duty security staff. Following the lapse, all seven personnel were suspended for negligence.

Every year on Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. In preparation, the area is placed under an intensive security cover, including drones, snipers, and multi-layered surveillance.

In a separate incident on Monday, Delhi Police detained five Bangladeshi nationals who allegedly attempted to force their way into the Red Fort premises.

Preliminary investigations revealed the individuals, aged between 20 and 25, were working as labourers in the city. Police recovered identity documents suspected to be of Bangladeshi origin, and a probe has been launched to verify their identities and intentions.