New Delhi, March 19 More than 100 picket points, rooftop surveillance, and increased barricading are among the security measures taken by the Delhi Police in the Dwarka district, including Uttam Nagar, ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. This includes measures taken in areas where communal tension has been simmering since the March 4 killing of a man.
A senior officer said on Thursday that the police have drawn up a comprehensive plan to ensure peaceful celebrations.
"Adequate arrangements have been made, and sufficient personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order. We are fully prepared to deal with any situation," the officer said.
The police have reinforced deployment in and around sensitive areas, particularly the Hastsal village, where the killing took place, and adjoining areas. Personnel will remain stationed at key points to prevent any untoward incident.
Tarun, 26, was killed in a clash between his family and their neighbours in the JJ Colony area on Holi on March 4. According to the police, the violence broke out after water from a balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun's family splashed on a woman from his neighbour's family.
Some Hindu outfits later staged a protest against the killing and torched two vehicles of the accused family members. The police have apprehended 14 people, including two minors, in connection with the killing.
The police have also focused on mosques, Eidgahs, and other religious sites, where a large number of people are expected to gather. Regular foot and vehicle patrols are being conducted as part of area domination measures.
Authorities have also intensified surveillance, both on the ground and online. Social media platforms are being closely monitored for provocative or inflammatory content, with several such posts already identified and removed, the police said.
Mixed-population areas have been identified as sensitive zones and are under enhanced watch. Apart from picket deployment, personnel have been stationed on rooftops in select areas for close surveillance and to ensure a swift response to any situation, the police said.
As part of confidence-building measures, flag marches have been conducted in sensitive localities and will be repeated multiple times during Eid to reassure residents, they said.
Despite increased security, some remain apprehensive.
Pradeep Shukla, president of the Uttam Nagar RWA, said security has been beefed up in the area with adequate barricading and there is complete silence.
"Now it feels like the calm before the storm. We are afraid, but we are trying to ensure that everything remains normal," he said.