New Delhi: A seven-layer security ring was thrown around the VVIP enclosure on Rajpath from where US President Barack Obama, President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with a host of other dignitaries witnessed the Republic Day parade.
Areas in and around Rajpath were fortified with the deployment of nearly 40,000 personnel from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces. Security was beefed up following inputs of a possible Maoist disruption during the event.
Maoists in Chhattisgarh on Monday had put up posters and distributed pamphlets calling for a shutdown protesting against Republic Day celebrations and President Obama's visit.
At Rajpath, people wearing dark coloured caps and mufflers were asked to leave them behind before entering the parade enclosures, said police officials. Despite rains, umbrellas too were not permitted.
Also, hundreds of visitors were forced to stand outside the venue till the programme got over, as all exit routes were sealed soon after the parade started at 10 am.
"Extra caution was taken while making security passes for the police personnel on duty, as there were inputs that terrorists may try to get in using fake IDs. The police had the right to refuse entry without explanation," said the official.
Around 2,000 security personnel including those from the US Secret Service and SPG were deployed at the main stage, where Obama along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi were seated. Presidential guards, NSG, paramilitary forces, Delhi Police including the traffic police kept a strict vigil in and around Rajpath.
Apart from that, more than 15,000 CCTV cameras installed relayed every movement live to a central control room where the footage was monitored by a joint team of Delhi Police, US Secret Services and sleuths of central security agencies.
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