In a proactive response to recent security concerns, authorities in Delhi and Mumbai have elevated their vigilance levels in the wake of back-to-back explosions during a prayer meeting at a convention center in Kalamassery, Kerala. The incidents unfolded on a somber Sunday morning, prompting a swift and robust security response.
The Delhi Police have initiated enhanced security measures, particularly in densely populated areas and regions with a significant Jewish community presence. The specialized anti-terror unit, the Special Cell, is in close coordination with intelligence agencies, meticulously scrutinizing all incoming information.
The urgency of the situation stems from the virtual address given by former Hamas leader, Khaled Meshaal, at a pro-Palestine gathering in Malappuram, Kerala. As a precautionary measure, the authorities have focused on areas surrounding the Israel embassy and locations hosting Jewish establishments within Delhi.
An intelligence report received in Delhi highlights the potential gathering of organizations near Chabad Houses, Jewish Community Centers, and other significant Jewish institutions. In light of the current circumstances, local law enforcement, the police control room, and traffic police have been instructed to implement adequate security measures.
The heightened state of alert in Delhi can be attributed to prior incidents targeting the Israeli embassy and a diplomat’s family member in the city. Notably, in 2012, a car explosion in Chanakyapuri left Tal Yehoshua Koren, the wife of the Israeli defense attaché, seriously injured. Similarly, in January 2021, a low-intensity blast near the Israeli embassy during the Beating Retreat ceremony on Kartavya Path raised substantial concerns within the security apparatus.
Beginning on Monday, a comprehensive security overhaul is set to be in effect. The police have carried out extensive patrols in sensitive areas, reinforcing their presence at vital locations and embassies.
An official elaborated, “We have bolstered the deployment of uniformed officers at significant gatherings and cultural venues to ensure public safety remains paramount. We have advised religious centers to limit access, maintain functional security systems, conduct thorough perimeter checks, and scrutinize mail and packages to enhance overall security.”
State authorities in Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Goa have also been alerted to prioritize the security of Israeli diplomats, staff, and tourists.
