Delhi police to procure armoured cars for Commonwealth Games security

Bracing to ensure trouble-free Commonwealth Games amid fears of terror attacks, Delhi police will procure armoured cars, becoming the first force in the country to use such vehicles for policing duties.

"We will be getting three armoured cars ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Delhi will be the first city in the country to use such vehicles in policing," Delhi police commissioner YS Dadwal told PTI in an interview.

"These vehicles will be moving around the city and (sometimes) stationed at venues during the Games," he said.

Each carrying 30 commandos, armoured vehicles would be deployed to tackle eventualities like terror strikes. One batch of such commandos is ready while two batches are undergoing training and will be in action ahead of the Games.

No police force in the country is presently using bullet-proof armoured cars for normal policing duties though paramilitary forces like BSF and CRPF have a number of such vehicles.

Ensuring security for the mega sporting event in which prominent sportspersons from 71 countries will be taking part is a major challenge for Dadwal, who is completing three years in office tomorrow.

"There will be elaborate security arrangements for the Games. We have got Quick Reaction Teams, commandos and snippers to secure the event as well as the city," he said adding the city police is also forming a special commando force which will keep a hawk-eye vigil over the city.

When asked about Punjab police alert that Sikh militants may target the Games, the commissioner said he was "not aware"
of any threat to the event. "No. I have no information (about Punjab Police alert)," Dadwal said.

For the Games, Delhi police personnel are also being specially trained in frisking, search operations and screening baggage through X-Ray machines. Special training on enhancing communication skills and behavioural patterns are also being
imparted.

Apart from around 80,000 Delhi Police personnel, over 17,500 paramilitary personnel, 3,000 specialised commandos and
100 anti-sabotage check teams will be deployed across the
city.

Asked whether he envisages any coordination problems with paramilitary forces which are also being drawn for security measures, he answered in the negative and said all the forces will work under his command and control.

"All the paramilitary forces provided to me will work under my command except the NSG. We will be working in synergy. There is no ambiguity. It is very clear that I am in command and control," Dadwal said.

To a question whether the delay in completion of Games-related projects was compromising security preparedness, he said all venues will be ready on time and that he did not envisage any problem in this regard.

"We know the stadia and surrounding areas. We know the city very well. So securing them or other areas will not be a problem. As a preventive measure we have asked schools and colleges to remain closed during opening and closing ceremonies," Dadwal said.

Assuring an incident-free Games, the commissioner said the rate of crime in the capital was the lowest in the last 40 years.

"We are taking substantive series of step to improve policing for both people and Games. Our aim is not only to secure Games but to ensure safety of people. If we get help from people then we can do wonder," he said.

The city police has also requested business bodies like FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM and ITPO to defer plans to organise any major conferences, fairs or exhibitions during the Games other than those directly related to the event.

"A fleet of PCR vehicles -- 750 vans and 120 motorcycles will augment security arrangements. More than 600 PCR vans and
115 motorcycles are fitted with Global Positioning System
(GPS)," Dadwal said.

Police is also procuring anti-sabotage check equipment like mine sweeper, fibroscope, busters and explosive detectors specially for the Games, he said.