Video: Foreign tourists breach Taj Mahal security, climb restricted tower

Security arrangements at the Taj Mahal in Agra have come under scrutiny after two foreign tourists breached the restricted zone and climbed to the roof of Tower Number Four, near the Shahi Mosque, where an anti-drone system is installed.The two tourists remained on the rooftop for some time and clicked pictures, without security personnel noticing their presence.The incident came to light on Wednesday evening after a video of the tourists went viral on social media. Security agencies swung into action after the footage surfaced and brought the two tourists down from the tower.It has raised concerns because the tower is located in the monument's restricted red zone and houses an anti-drone system used to monitor drone activity in the prohibited airspace around the Taj Mahal. Tahiruddin Tahir, chairman of the Urs Committee, expressed concern over the breach and questioned how two foreign tourists managed to enter such a sensitive area despite the security arrangements and restrictions in place.Dr Smita Kumar, superintending archaeologist with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has sought a report from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on the incident. According to ACP Taj Security Yatendra Nagar, the CISF informed him that the tourists had taken a pathway beside the mosque and climbed up due to a lack of awareness about the restrictions. They were brought down immediately. Since they had not deliberately violated the security arrangements, no action was taken against them, Nagar said.PRE-WEDDING SHOOTS ALSO RAISE CONCERNSThe latest incident has once again brought the Taj Mahal's security and monitoring arrangements under the spotlight. Questions have also been raised over pre-wedding photo shoots being conducted inside the monument despite restrictions.Such shoots have reportedly continued at the Taj Mahal complex despite claims of strict security and a ban on unauthorised photography and filming activities. This has raised questions about who is monitoring such activities and whether the agencies responsible are taking action against violations.There are also concerns over whether unauthorised shoots could lead to a loss of revenue for the ASI, which regulates activities at the monument.- Ends