The suited men have been asked to return to their previous attire.
Admitting that the uniform on armed men is the major deterrent for miscreants at the sensitive Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has scrapped the plan of deploying CIA sleuths-lookalikes in black suits at the entry gates of terminals. The decision was made after a fortnight-long trial run in February this year.
The armed CISF men posted at the entry gates of Terminal 1D and Terminal 3 were told to wear blue blazers and trousers, with white shirt and tie. Senior officers said the step was taken to give the force a passenger-friendly look.
"Of the total 4,500 CISF personnel deployed at the Delhi airport, more than 60 were posted at the gates, who worked in three shifts. Security staffers at the gates check identity and tickets of passengers before letting them in. The suited men have been asked to return to their previous attire. The decision was taken by the Bureau of Civil Aviation and other agencies concerned," a senior officer said.
They also said the passenger feedback about the men in suits was not good. "The men in uniform looked like commandos and had weapons. Even those in suits had weapons but it was observed that the visibility of uniform acted as a deterrent for miscreants. Also, flyers suggested that in any untoward situation, they look around for men in uniform, while men in suits are mistaken for private security," the officer said.
The trial was carried out in February, after which, based on the passenger feedback and other aspects, the decision to recant the order was taken.
Past imperfect
April 5: An Afghan man caught by CISF after entering T3 using a fake ticket.
April 1: A man caught with 6 live rounds at the security hold area.
March 31: A man manages to sneak into T3 with a pistol and 10 rounds.
March 23: A man gains entry on an invalid ticket to see off his daughter.
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