Delhi Assembly Gates Fortified in Wake of SUV Security Breach
New Delhi: In response to a significant security breach, the Delhi Assembly's Gate No. 2 appeared heavily fortified on Tuesday, just one day after an SUV forcefully broke through it and its boom barrier. This incident has prompted a massive overhaul of security measures across the legislative premises.
Enhanced Security Measures Deployed
Apart from a multilayer cordon securing Gate No. 2, all other gates of the assembly were also tightly guarded with increased vigilance. Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers, and the entire area was placed under extensive CCTV coverage to monitor any suspicious activities.
In the aftermath of the breach, three security personnel have been suspended. These include a Sub-Inspector and an Assistant Sub-Inspector from the Delhi Police, as well as a CRPF staffer, all of whom were stationed at Gate No. 2 during the incident on Monday.
On-Ground Observations and Witness Accounts
On Tuesday, a PCR van was stationed outside Gate No. 2, with two police officers ensuring that no vehicles halted in the vicinity. The officers, who had been on duty since morning, were actively questioning individuals lingering nearby to prevent any further security lapses.
The gate itself was shielded by a tight cordon consisting of five barricades linked together with ropes, followed by a locked steel gate that had sustained damage during Monday's intrusion. Beyond this, another set of barricades and a boom barrier were in place. Inside the gate, two police officers, including a woman officer, were stationed, while CRPF personnel manned security booths and patrolled the area.
Additional security was visible at the nearby Vidhan Sabha metro station gate, where a PCR vehicle was parked. A few metres away, e-rickshaws lined up, with drivers recounting their experiences from the previous day.
Eyewitness Testimonies and Impact
A group of e-rickshaw drivers waiting for passengers reported that most had witnessed the SUV entering the assembly premises and speeding out on Monday. One driver described, "As he (Sarabjit Singh) was driving off, a bus was approaching. He waved it to stop and then melted into the traffic."
Gaurav, a 30-year-old e-rickshaw driver, claimed that the SUV had collided with his vehicle before barrelling into the premises. He stated that the impact caused significant damage, with repair costs estimated between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000. "I was lucky I was not injured," he added, highlighting the potential dangers of the breach.
Reinforcement of Other Gates
Close to Gate No. 2, Gate No. 3 was being inspected by a plainclothes police officer on Tuesday, even as it underwent welding and reinforcement to prevent a similar breach. Another police officer and a CRPF personnel were stationed nearby to oversee the upgrades.
The main entrance, Gate No. 1, was guarded by seven security personnel, with two positioned directly at the gate and the rest a few metres away. They were seen stopping vehicles and allowing entry only to authorized assembly officials and workers.
CRPF personnel were also deployed at Gate No. 6 of the assembly, while private security guards were stationed at the gates of the directorate of education office, which operates within the assembly premises.
Continued Vigilance and Response
Around 11:30 PM, a white car stopping near Gate No. 5 prompted a sharp whistle from security officers, who immediately instructed the driver to keep moving, demonstrating the heightened alertness in the area.
This comprehensive security response underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the breach, aiming to restore safety and prevent future incidents at the Delhi Assembly.
