Authorities have registered an FIR and are investigating how these items entered the heavily guarded site amid recent security lapses. (Image Source: File)
Security agencies conducting thorough combing operations at the Red Fort on Friday recovered two bullet cartridges—one 9 mm and another .315 caliber—and a circuit board. The discovery raised alarms, as it comes only eight days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hoist the national flag and address the nation from the fort’s historic ramparts on Independence Day.
An FIR under the Arms Act was promptly registered at Kotwali police station against unidentified persons. Police officials are working to trace how these items were brought inside the monument, which has been under strict security control since mid-July with public access suspended.
Both bullets were sent to a forensic laboratory to ascertain their age and whether they had been fired.
Given the delicate timing, detectives have not ruled out sabotage or mischief, even though the circuit board is thought to be a component of older lighting equipment used in earlier events at the Red Fort. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), Raja Banthia, confirmed the FIR registration and assured that a detailed probe is underway to uncover how the items entered such a high-security area.
This finding comes after some concerning events at the Red Fort recently. A major flaw was revealed earlier this week during a surprise security exercise when Delhi Police's Special Cell staff failed to identify a dummy bomb that was slipped via a door-frame metal detector. Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, this breach raised concerns about the monument's security procedures and resulted in the suspension of seven officers.
In a separate case, five Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended while attempting to enter the Red Fort using forged identity documents, adding to the urgency of tightening security.
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Since July 15, the Red Fort has been cordoned off to the public as security agencies have intensified their efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for the nation’s most important celebration. The monument has great historical significance, and the authorities take any threat very seriously.
In order to prevent any security risks for the well-known Independence Day event, a new round of investigations has been initiated in response to the discovery of old munitions and an inexplicable circuit board.
Police and security agencies are closely analyzing the recovered items and reviewing surveillance footage and access logs to identify any breach or negligence.
. Authorities are stepping up their efforts to prevent any unpleasant occurrence at the landmark location, since the Prime Minister's address and flag hoisting are little over a week away.
The findings of this investigation will likely influence further security arrangements in the coming days to safeguard the historic event and the dignitaries attending it.
