How safe is Delhi? Police flag security lapses across 175 sites post Red Fort blast

Delhi Police

Amid rising concerns over possible terror attacks, the Delhi Police have carried out security audits across the national capital and identified serious lapses at around 175 public places, officials said.

The checks covered hotels, guest houses, shopping malls, cinema halls, parking areas and busy market zones. The inspections were conducted on November 28 and December 8, following the deadly car blast near the Red Fort on November 10, The Indian Express reported.

According to the police, special attention was given to parking areas during the audits. This focus came after investigations into the Red Fort blast revealed that the accused, Dr Umar Mohammad, also known as Dr Umar Un Nabi Bhat, had remained inside his Hyundai i20 car for nearly three hours at the T5 parking area near the Red Fort before the explosion.

After leaving the parking lot, he drove towards Upper Netaji Subhash Marg, took a U-turn onto Lower Netaji Subhash Marg and was heading back towards the Red Fort when the car exploded midway.

During the inspections, police found several common shortcomings. At many parking areas, security staff were not wearing uniforms, did not carry identity cards and failed to use under-vehicle inspection mirrors. These tools are considered essential for checking suspicious objects or vehicles. In one major shopping mall in South Delhi, police found that there were no armed guards or baggage scanners in place.

“These are pre-emptive steps to ensure that the city remains safe and secure. Cooperation from citizens and business owners is essential at this time,” an official was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

Another senior police official said that such security checks are part of routine efforts to strengthen Delhi’s anti-terror preparedness, especially during festive seasons and periods of high tourist activity. However, this particular round of inspections was carried out after intelligence inputs warned of possible attempts by extremist groups to disturb public peace.

The audits were conducted by various units of the Delhi Police Special Cell. The findings have been shared with all 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), along with officers from the Railway Police and Delhi Metro Police.

Among the districts, the highest number of security gaps were reported in the Southwest district, followed by the Northwest, Southeast, Metro unit and Outer North district. Police officials said that district units have been instructed to immediately inform owners and managers of the affected premises about the lapses.

“All concerned units have been directed to fix the shortcomings without delay and submit a compliance report for review by senior officers,” a senior police officer said.