Drones, cameras and action: Delhi temples and markets on high alert after Red Fort blast; armed personnel and checks deployed

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has intensified security at temples and markets across the city following Monday evening's blast near Red Fort, just a few metres from Gauri Shankar Temple in north Delhi's Chandni Chowk.At Chhatarpur temple, 32 CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor suspicious activity and armed personnel have been deployed round-the-clock to ensure safety. "There are four armed police personnel on duty per shift," an officer said. Private security guards have been trained to frisk visitors before entry and door-frame metal detectors checked and the faulty ones replaced.At Kalkaji temple, drones are being used to monitor large gatherings and plainclothes officers have been deployed to identify suspicious individuals.

"Regular briefings are being held with shopkeepers in Nehru Place market, advising them to immediately report any suspicious person, vehicle or unattended bag," another officer said.

Delhi Police has also launched a drive to ensure no suspicious vehicles are parked in various parking areas. "Registers maintained by parking attendants were checked, and they have been instructed to immediately inform police if any vehicle remains parked for an unusually long time," said an officer.

Authorities managing parking lots have been asked to ensure complete CCTV coverage of all areas.Police personnel are also meeting car dealers across the city to strengthen vehicle verification norms and ensure strict compliance. Officers are sensitising dealers about the importance of maintaining proper sale records and verifying the credentials of buyers to prevent misuse of vehicles for illegal activities.In southwest Delhi's Sarojini Nagar market, special attention is being paid to dustbins, which are under constant watch. "We have asked the civic agency concerned to clear the dustbins every four hours. Food vendors have also been asked to assign someone specifically to monitor what is being discarded," the officer added.The officer said multiple entry points in crowded markets have been closed or barricaded, with designated entry and exit routes now in place.

Parking attendants have been instructed to use inverted mirrors to check vehicles."The Sarojini Nagar market area has over 300 CCTV cameras, including some equipped with facial recognition technology. If a person with a criminal background is detected, an alert is sent to the control room and police teams are dispatched immediately," the officer said.In markets in north and central Delhi, vans equipped with facial recognition cameras are being deployed.At Jhandewalan temple, security has been strengthened, with 13 staff members deployed in each shift to maintain round-the-clock vigilance.