MillenniumPost
Delhi

Stabbing case exposes security at Metro stations

Serious questions are being raised over security measures put in place at the ‘highly-secured’ Metro stations, after a former Delhi Metro employee allegedly stabbed his colleague at the Rajendra Place Station three days ago. 

According to sources, security was tightened at Metro stations after a parliamentary panel on Monday said that the Delhi Metro is ‘vulnerable’ to terror attacks. 

According to data provided by the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF),  21 people were detained for security breach from January to March 2016. 

These people sneaked into the Metro premises from the exit area, without passing through the mandatory security check. During the same period, the CISF personnel also caught four persons, who were trying to enter Metro stations with firearms.

Last year, the Delhi government’s in its audit report had stated that commuters entered Metro stations with their luggage and easily moved to ticket counters without their baggage. It added that even the Metro parking lots were vulnerable as motorists did not have to pass through a security check while parking their vehicles. This means anyone could park his/ her vehicle, which might contain explosives, the audit stated.

Most of the time, attendants at Metro parking lots just concentrate on charging money from motorists, thereby, shelving security -- which is of utmost importance, the report stated. 

“A commuter can gain entry to a Metro station without passing through the security check. He/she can also carry prohibited items to trains and Metro premises, thereby putting the lives of thousands of people at risk,” said an official on the condition of anonymity.

Officials said while these incidents did not indicate that they were part of a terrorist design or a sabotage act, the issue has been flagged as ‘danger zone’ by the CISF and Intelligence Bureau (IB) in their security audits, covering 150 stations across Delhi and NCR. The audits are carried more than once a year.
Next Story
Share it