After Red Fort blast, Delhi Police books 250 for not verifying tenants
North district police intensify checks in high-footfall areas post-blast, booking landlords and guest houses for flouting mandatory verification norms
The Delhi Police, under a large-scale verification drive carried out after the November 10 blast near the Red Fort, has registered cases against 250 people across the North district, mostly for not completing the mandatory police verification process.
The blast, which claimed 15 lives and injured several others, was allegedly triggered by a suicide bomber after a so-called “white-collar terror module” spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, was busted.
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“We have registered multiple FIRs after tenant and lodge verifications. So far, 250 people have been booked,” DCP (North) Raja Banthia told news agency PTI on Wednesday (November 19).
Police verification not done
Most FIRs pertain to people living in North Delhi who allegedly did not complete the mandatory police verification process.
A significant number of lodges and small guest houses have also been booked for failing to follow the verification norms, he added.
Police said the step was necessary since the blast was triggered in a high-footfall area, prompting the authorities to tighten checks.
“Multi-agency search and verification drives were launched on a war footing (after the blast). Police teams have visited more than 2,500 houses, checked ID proofs of the occupants, and questioned several people. The process will continue,” the DCP said.
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The offenders can be booked under Section 223(a) (disobedience to a public servant’s lawful order) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which carries a prison term of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 2,500, or both.
Verification camps set up
As part of the process, verification camps have been set up at all police stations of the North district, where people have been advised to cooperate, said the police.
Investigators from specialised units and central agencies have been roped in to conduct door-to-door checks, they said.
“Guest houses, budget hotels and several rented accommodations have been inspected. We have also deployed advanced drone surveillance, anti-sabotage teams and additional paramilitary units to secure the district...
“Around 50 drones are operating around the Red Fort complex and adjoining lanes, capturing real-time images of rooftops, abandoned structures, and high-density market stretches. CCTV cameras are being monitored round the clock from an integrated control room,” the DCP said.
Verification drive to continue
The officer also urged the residents to ensure that all tenants and paying guests undergo the mandatory police verification process.
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Anyone living without verification can pose a threat. People must either visit the nearest police station or upload their documents online immediately, the DCP said.
Vehicles heading towards the Red Fort are being subjected to intensified checking, while several pickets have been set up to ensure that no suspicious movement goes unnoticed, the officer said.
The verification drive will continue for the next several days, with more FIRs likely if violations are found, police said.
(With agency inputs)