India-Africa Summit: SWAT, HIT teams deployed for security

NEW DELHI: Several SWAT and HIT teams have been deployed in Delhi to avert any potential terrorist strike during the India-Africa Summit, which is being attended by the heads of 54 African states, police said today.

SWAT and HIT teams, both specialised in dealing with multiple forms of emergencies, remained deployed in and around the central venue, Indira Gandhi Stadium, and on all routes identified for VVIP movements today, said a police official.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Security) TS Luthra had yesterday said that police are ready to deal with any kind of emergency, including potential terror strikes, and specialised teams are kept reserved for the purpose.

Possibilities of terror strikes are higher during the four -day summit as intelligence reports had warned about sudden attacks by some of the several African terror outfits, said an official.

Two helicopters remained deployed round-the-clock as part of the security arrangements. While one chopper is dedicated to surveillance, the other is for handling contingencies. The helicopters have been provided by Indian Air Force, said a senior official.

However, no helicams or unmanned aerial devices are being used for surveillance. A separate control room has been set up to monitor the main venue of Indira Gandhi Stadium and the VVIP routes, the official said.

Around 200 CCTV cameras have been installed at the venue and 300 more in central Delhi areas, including ITO, Delhi Secretariat, Raj Ghat and all locations in the vicinity of Indira Gandhi Stadium, the official added.