Delhi Police Books 175 People in Verification Drive After Red Fort Blast
New Delhi: As part of the massive verification drive following the November 10 blast near the Red Fort, Delhi Police has registered cases against 175 people in the North district, mostly for not completing the mandatory police verification process, an official said on Tuesday. 15 people were killed and many others were injured in the explosion triggered by a suicide bomber after the white-collar terror module was detonated covering Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
We registered multiple FIRs after tenant and hostel verifications. DCP (North) Raja Banthia told PTI that 175 people have been booked so far.
Most FIRs relate to people living in north Delhi who have not completed the mandatory police verification process, the officer said.
A significant number of hostels and small guesthouses were also booked as they did not comply with verification norms, the official added.
Police said the step was necessary because the explosion was triggered in an area with heavy pedestrian traffic, prompting authorities to tighten controls.
On a war footing (after the explosion), multi-agency search and verification efforts were initiated. Police teams visited more than 2 thousand houses, checked the identities of the residents and interrogated many people. The DCP said the process will continue.
Offenders may face imprisonment up to six months, fine up to Rs 2,500 or both under Section 223(a) of BNS (disobedience to lawful order of public servant).
As part of the process, verification camps have been set up at all police stations in the Northern region, where people are advised to cooperate, police said. They said inspectors from specialized units and central institutions have been deployed to carry out door-to-door checks.
Guest houses, budget hotels and numerous rental accommodations were reviewed. We have also deployed advanced drone surveillance, anti-sabotage teams and additional paramilitary units to ensure the security of the area.
“Around 50 drones are operating around the Red Fort complex and adjoining lanes, capturing real-time images of rooftops, abandoned structures and high-density market areas. CCTV cameras are monitored round the clock from an integrated control room,” the DCP said. he said.
The officer also urged residents to ensure all tenants and paying guests go through the mandatory police verification process.
Anyone living without verification can pose a threat. The DCP said people should either go to the nearest police station or upload their documents online immediately.
Vehicles heading towards the Red Fort were subjected to intense checking and several lookouts were set up to ensure that no suspicious movement was noticed, the officer said.
Police said the verification exercise will continue over the next few days and more FIRs are likely if violations are found.
