As Delhi gears up for India’s 79th Independence Day, a security incident near the iconic Red Fort turned heads and triggered quick action by the Delhi’s police force. On Monday, 5 young Bangladeshi nationals aged between 20 and 25 were stopped by alert security personnel as they tried to enter the heavily guarded Red Fort which has been off-limits to the general public since mid-July for security reasons.
According to authorities, the group failed to provide valid entry passes when asked at a checkpoint near the fort’s entrance. During initial questioning, the men admitted to having entered India illegally three to four months earlier to seek work as labourers in Delhi. They claimed their intention that they were simply to see the monument and were unaware that it had been closed for Independence Day preparations since July 15.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Raja Banthia confirmed that while the men were in possession of Bangladeshi documents, no items of concern were found with them and nothing suspicious was uncovered during their interrogation. "They will be deported as per law," Banthia said, emphasizing that there was no indication of ill intent behind their actions.
Once the identities and backgrounds of the men were established, intelligence agencies stepped in to conduct thorough questioning ensuring nothing was overlooked with Independence Day celebrations mere days away. The incident was reported to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) which has initiated legal proceedings for their deportation.
The Red Fort holds immense national significance as the venue for the Prime Minister’s customary Independence Day address. This makes security around the monument exceptionally tight in the days leading up to August 15 with all public access halted weeks in advance.
In a separate development, the attention to security was further underscored when seven police constables were suspended on the same day. Their lapse was exposed during a mock drill after a Delhi Police Special Cell team managed to sneak a dummy bomb inside the premises without being stopped. The test aimed at checking readiness that the officers failed.
With Delhi under a security blanket and routine drills being carried out citywide, officials reiterated the importance of constant vigilance and strict entry controls to ensure a safe and smooth Independence Day celebration this year. The swift handling of both the Red Fort incident and the security drill lapse highlights the capital’s focus on exemption of any risk during India’s most celebrated national event.
