The Republic Day celebrations passed off peacefully in the city under a thick security cover as forces maintained a tight vigil to thwart any terror strike or untoward incident.
The security personnel heaved a sigh of relief as almost no major incident of crime was reported from the city, particularly from the New Delhi area where the celebrations were held. Intelligence inputs had suggested that militants from Pakistan may try to disrupt the celebrations by carrying out a terror strike.
Around 25,000 police personnel were deployed for vigil. Snipers equipped with sophisticated arms and binoculars kept watch from rooftops as hundreds of policemen patrolled the eight km parade route. Sharpshooters from the elite National Security Guards were also strategically placed and over 160 CCTVs recorded the movement of parade from Rajpath to Red Fort.
Police official said mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and NSG sharpshooters were stationed at various points while paramilitary and Delhi police commandos kept a close watch along the route.
“There was a special emphasis on anti-sabotage checks, access control measures and intelligence co-ordination. The entire route of the parade was covered by special security and anti-terror arrangements,” an official said.
Special police teams kept randomly checking vehicles entering the city as a preventive measure. Uttar Pradesh and Haryana borders were almost sealed and heavy checking was conducted at various points to check any security breach.