Ahead of Independence Day, 40,000 police personnel to keep city safe

More than 40,000 police personnel will be deployed at various locations in the city as a security measure for Independence Day. In fact, the police had started stepping up security at strategic places in the week leading up to I-Day.

“Our officers have already begun patrolling at places like Gateway of India, Mantralaya and Girgaum Chowpatty since early this week. As part of the I-Day security we have also started random checking of bags and screening processes have been put in place,” said a senior police officer.

Mumbai police spokesperson DCP Ashok Dudhe informed that more than 40,000 police personnel would be deployed for bandobast on August 15. “Our officers will conduct strict checking at places that see high footfall and also strategic places like beaches and railway stations,” Mr Dudhe said. He also added that they would deploy officers at important traffic junctions where security check posts would be set up.

A senior IPS officer said that while there had been no specific security alert, they were following regular security protocols in the city. “In addition to Mumbai police personnel, there will be Quick Response Teams (QRT) and Rapid Action Force (RPF) and also plain-clothed policemen out on duty,” the officer said.

He added they had also started conducting surprise checks in local trains, shopping malls and beaches to prevent any untoward incident on Independence Day.