New Delhi: A security mock drill at Delhi’s historic Red Fort has sparked concern after a dummy bomb, used as part of an internal test, went completely unnoticed by the personnel on duty.

The incident led to the suspension of seven police officers stationed at one of the city's most sensitive monuments.

Mock explosive bypasses security

The drill, conducted last week by the Delhi Police Special Cell, was intended to evaluate how alert and prepared the deployed officers were. As part of the exercise, a team attempted to smuggle in a fake explosive device through the monument’s main entry point.

According to a senior police official, “The team carrying the dummy device managed to bypass security checks at the Red Fort's main gate. The failure to detect the object raised serious concerns about the alertness of the personnel on duty.”

Seven personnel suspended

Following the failed drill, disciplinary action was swiftly taken. “Police have suspended seven personnel for their failure to detect a dummy bomb during a routine security drill at the access control point of north Delhi's Red Fort,” an official confirmed.

Inquiry ordered ahead of Independence Day

An internal investigation is now underway to examine what went wrong and how such a major lapse occurred. 

Deputy Commissioner of Police Raja Banthia has directed a comprehensive review of existing security protocols and called for tighter measures to be put in place.

The Red Fort is categorised as a high-security area, particularly in the weeks leading up to Independence Day, when the Prime Minister delivers the national address and hoists the Tricolour from its historic ramparts.

Given the monument’s symbolic and strategic importance, any breach in security is treated with utmost seriousness due to the potential risk of terrorist activity.