NEW DELHI — In a stern action against negligence, Delhi Police Commissioner S.B.K. Singh on Saturday ordered the suspension of eight police personnel, including inspectors and sub-inspectors, for lapses in security arrangements at the ISKCON temple. The move came after the commissioner conducted a surprise visit to personally review the security measures for the ongoing Janmashtami celebrations.
A senior police official said that during his inspection, Singh discovered a critical security point within the temple premises where no personnel were deployed. This raised serious concerns about the overall vigilance and preparedness of the staff on duty, especially given the high security alert for Janmashtami, a festival that attracts thousands of devotees.
The police chief immediately ordered the suspension of the eight personnel for dereliction of duty. He also issued a strict warning to the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Shahbad Dairy police station, which is responsible for the area where the deployment lapse occurred.
Officials stated that the suspended personnel were assigned to oversee the security arrangements at the temple, and their absence was considered a “grave lapse.” Following the incident, Commissioner Singh has instructed all district police commissioners to personally monitor arrangements at sensitive religious sites and ensure that personnel remain alert and visible. He has made it clear that “any negligence in security, particularly during major festivals, will not be tolerated.”
In the wake of the suspensions, additional police personnel have been deployed to the ISKCON temple to manage the heavy crowds, and senior officers are now directly supervising the situation on the ground. The Delhi Police has been on high alert across the capital, with security stepped up at all major religious places, marketplaces, and transport hubs to prevent any untoward incidents during the festive period.