Abhigyan app, facial recognition system deployed at Red Fort ahead of Independence Day

Delhi Police have wrapped the Red Fort in a multi-layered security grid for Independence Day, using the Abhigyan app and facial recognition vans to scan crowds. The technology-led deployment reflects tighter vigilance amid intelligence inputs and aims to keep the high-profile event peaceful.Delhi Police have wrapped the Red Fort in a multi-layered security grid for Independence Day(Photo: PTI)The Red Fort has been placed under a multi-layered security cover ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, with Delhi Police deploying advanced technologies such as the Abhigyan app and facial recognition system (FRS) vans to identify suspicious and wanted persons in the crowd, officers said.Security has been tightened amid intelligence inputs. Around 15,000-20,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel are expected to be deployed for the August 15 event, which is likely to be attended by nearly 25,000 people, including VIPs and VVIPs.As part of the enhanced arrangements, the Abhigyan application is being used extensively for the first time to screen people in the crowd, officers said. The app has a database of more than one crore criminals, and police personnel are using handheld devices to collect fingerprints of randomly selected persons. The fingerprint is checked against the database within seconds. A red indication means the person has a criminal record, with details appearing on the screen, while a green indication shows that no criminal record has been found.Officials said nearly 1,000 CCTV cameras, including FRS-enabled cameras, have been installed to monitor the Red Fort and nearby areas. A high-tech CCTV control room has been set up inside the monument, where police personnel and technical teams are monitoring the area round the clock. The surveillance network is also being used to watch several kilometres outside the Red Fort. Snipers will be positioned at strategic locations, including elevated platforms, while anti-drone systems have been deployed to prevent any unauthorised aerial activity, officers said.FRS vans equipped with high-resolution cameras have also been deployed in the area. The vans scan faces in the crowd and match them against available databases. If a wanted or suspicious person is detected, the system generates an alert and sends the information to the control room for immediate verification and necessary action. A senior officer of the North district Computer Cell said the technologies were helping police identify suspicious persons in crowded areas. "Abhigyan app and FRS technology are helping us significantly in identifying suspicious persons in the crowd.This has further strengthened security," he said. He added that the arrangements were being carried out under the Ministry of Home Affairs' smart policing initiative to ensure a safe and peaceful Independence Day celebration.This year's theme at the Red Fort is 'Vande Mataram'. Kite flying has been prohibited around the monument on August 15 as part of the security restrictions. Officials said the combination of CCTV surveillance, facial recognition, fingerprint verification, anti-drone systems, snipers and a large deployment of security personnel is aimed at ensuring that no suspicious activity goes undetected during the high-profile national event.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 9, 2026 23:09 IST