Delhi boosts security in central district following Red Fort Blast

Anti-terror measures were intensified in Central Delhi following the Red Fort blast that killed 13 people, as police carried out extensive verification drives, enhanced picket checks and strengthened armed deployment at sensitive locations, an official said on Sunday.

“On Saturday night, teams seized 34 unattended vehicles during a special operation, while 417 challans were issued under the Delhi Police Act in a five-hour checking drive,” the officer said.

The security push forms part of a broader strategy implemented after the blast, he added.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range) Madhur Verma, along with district DCPs, ACPs, SHOs and specialised units, has been holding frequent coordination meetings with Market Welfare Associations (MWAs), RWAs, shopkeepers and vendors.

“Police teams have been conducting area domination exercises, surprise inspections and mock drills to test operational readiness. Armed personnel have been deployed at crowded markets, religious sites, tourist spots and vital installations,” he said.

Verification drives have been intensified at hotels, guest houses, cyber cafes, malls, cinemas, chemical shops, SIM card retailers and commercial hubs. The officer added that tenant, servant, labourer and security guard checks have also been scaled up to prevent infiltration by anti-social elements.

As part of the high-alert response, strict picket checking was conducted between 5 pm and 10 pm on Saturday across the district. Police checked 683 vehicles at multiple barriers and verified 24 strangers during the operation.

“The objective was to enhance visibility, deterrence, and real-time vigilance. Public announcements and awareness briefings are being regularly conducted by patrolling teams, urging citizens to immediately report any suspicious object, vehicle or person,” the officer added.