New Delhi– Delhi Police apprehended five Bangladeshi nationals on Monday for attempting to forcibly enter the Red Fort, a historic monument and key site for India’s Independence Day celebrations, just days before the August 15 event. The individuals, identified as illegal immigrants, were detained after security personnel noticed their suspicious behavior while trying to access the premises, which has been closed to the public since July 15 due to heightened security measures.
According to Delhi Police, the suspects, all aged between 20 and 25, were working as laborers in the capital. During the apprehension, authorities recovered Bangladeshi identification documents from the group, confirming their nationality. The police have launched a thorough investigation, and the individuals are currently under interrogation to determine their motives and any potential connections to broader networks. A senior police official, as reported by ANI, stated, “All of them are illegal immigrants. They tried to forcibly enter the Red Fort premises.”
This incident follows a separate security lapse at the Red Fort, where seven police personnel, including constables and head constables, faced suspension for negligence. On Saturday, a Special Cell team conducted a security drill, entering the premises in civilian clothing with a dummy bomb. The on-duty officers failed to detect the device, prompting disciplinary action. The Delhi Police have been conducting daily drills to prepare for the Independence Day program, highlighting the critical need for vigilance at this iconic site, where the Prime Minister delivers the annual address.
In a related development, Gurugram Police detained ten Bangladeshi nationals on Saturday for residing illegally in the city. According to Sandeep Kumar, Public Relations Officer for Gurugram Police, identification documents confirmed their Bangladeshi nationality, and deportation processes have been initiated. These incidents underscore heightened security concerns in the region as authorities intensify surveillance and manpower deployment ahead of the national holiday. The Foreign Regional Registration Office has been informed, and the detained individuals in Delhi are expected to face deportation proceedings as per legal protocols.
