Independence Day Security Fails: Red Fort Breach Raises Alarms

Just days before India’s 79th Independence Day, a major security lapse has been uncovered at the historic Red Fort, the very venue from which the Prime Minister will address the nation. In a shocking mock drill conducted by Delhi Police’s Special Cell, an operative posing as a “terrorist” successfully infiltrated the high-security premises with a dummy bomb, bypassing multiple layers of security without being challenged. This marks the third such security failure in a short span, raising alarm bells about the preparedness of the capital’s security forces.

The incident, which took place as part of an internal exercise to test the readiness of personnel, saw the “dummy terrorist” not only enter the fort undetected but also spend a considerable amount of time inside the high-security zone. Reports suggest the operative even took selfies and recorded videos before exiting the premises, highlighting a profound failure in vigilance and protocol. In response to the breach, seven police personnel, including constables and head constables, have been suspended for what authorities are calling “gross negligence.”

This is not an isolated incident. The mock drill’s failure follows two other alarming security concerns in the days leading up to August 15. The first involved the arrest of five Bangladeshi nationals who were found attempting to illegally enter the Red Fort. The second was the recovery of two live cartridges from the premises, underscoring a pattern of security vulnerabilities.

The repeated lapses have put a spotlight on the security protocols at the Red Fort, a site of immense national importance and a critical target for potential threats. The incidents have prompted a massive tightening of security measures, with authorities deploying an additional 10,000 personnel, implementing anti-drone systems, and activating facial recognition technology. The Ministry of Defence, which took over the venue in July, is now working with various agencies to ensure that there are no further oversights. The public, while reassured by the swift disciplinary action, remains concerned about the fundamental flaws that allowed these breaches to occur in the first place, especially as the nation prepares to celebrate its independence.