Heightened security in Delhi over Sydney hostage drama

NEW DELHI: Security was beefed up in the national capital today, especially at public places like malls, in the wake of the hostage crisis in Australia's Sydney where an Iranian-origin gunman held about 15 people hostage.

According to a senior police official, security has been stepped up in popular malls and areas which have clusters of cafes and restaurants as it was a popular café which was targeted in Sydney.

"All the necessary steps have been taken to ensure security in Delhi," said Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi.

Delhi Police has already been keeping a heightened vigil after a red alert was sounded in the city on December 5 over intelligence inputs of a possible terror strike.

The force is on its toes these days ahead of Christmas and New Year which would be followed by the visit of US President Barack Obama to India. The presence of Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with a host of dignitaries at the Republic Day parade is going to be a never-before high-stakes event for security agencies.

Some 15 people were taken hostage today by the gunman in Sydney with the crisis, which went on for over 16 hours, ending when heavily-armed police stormed the cafe.