Post-threat, IGI under security blanket

In the wake of a threat to blow up the Delhi Airport, authorities have put the Indira Gandhi International Airport under heavy security cover and all security agencies have been told to be on the alert.

In the wake of a threat to blow up the Delhi Airport, authorities have put the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport under heavy security cover and all security agencies have been told to be on the alert. Deccan Mujahideen, which had claimed responsibility for the Mumbai terror attacks, has reportedly sent an e-mail threatening to blow up the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Delhi airport. The e-mail was intercepted by the Gujarat police on Sunday.

“We have been told to re-examine security at the airport. Though the Delhi airport was already put on high alert following the Mumbai terror attacks, we have been asked to maintain extra caution and ensure that all security measures are in place. Every one entering either of the terminals or any other access point is being checked thoroughly,” said a senior CISF official. Delhi Police are also assisting the CISF in security arrangements.

A high-level meeting was convened on Monday by Madhavan Nambiar, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, to review the security arrangements at airports across the country. The meeting, attended by the Commissioner of Civil Aviation Security, Director General of Civil Aviation, IG (Airports) CISF, Airport Authority of India (AAI) and other senior officials, reviewed the various layers of security in place at airports as well as in the airspace. It also identified immediate steps to be taken in case of any emergency situation.

On ground, CISF and Delhi Police officials could be seen keeping a tight vigil at the airport. Extra security personnel have been deployed and every vehicle moving in and out of the airport premises are being checked. Cops in plainclothes are constantly profiling people entering or exiting the airport premises. “We are profiling every person coming to the airport. Whenever in doubt, we check the entire baggage of the person before allowing entry to the airport,” a CISF official said.

Frisking and manual checking of baggage has also been intensified. “We are leaving no stone unturned in identifying and plugging loopholes, if any,” the official added.

“Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have been intensified after the call for high alert. All measures are in place,” Rohit Katiyar, the CISF spokesperson, said.

“Dog and bomb squads are also on the job,” said an official. Anti-hijack and anti-sabotage teams have also been put in place at the airport. “Besides randomly checking peoples’ passports, we have also deployed our men at the parking lots,” the CISF official added.