Red Fort Safety Lapse: 7 Delhi Cops Suspended After Dummy Bomb Goes Undetected In Security Drill Ahead Of Independence Day

New Delhi: In a major lapse just days ahead of Independence Day, seven police personnel, comprising constables and head constables, have been suspended after failing to detect a dummy bomb during a security drill at Delhi’s Red Fort. The suspension was confirmed by Delhi Police, citing gross negligence on the part of the deployed security team.

The incident occurred on Saturday during a routine security check conducted as part of ongoing preparations for the August 15 celebrations. As per officials, a team from the Delhi Police Special Cell, dressed in plain clothes, entered the Red Fort premises and discreetly planted a dummy explosive device to test the alertness and efficiency of the on-duty personnel.

However, to the department’s alarm, the planted dummy bomb remained undetected by the officers assigned to secure the high-profile monument. This failure triggered an internal review, following which the seven personnel responsible for that shift were immediately suspended.

“A team of the Special Cell conducted a drill on Saturday in which they entered the Red Fort premises in civil dress with a dummy bomb. At that time, the policemen deployed for the security of the Red Fort could not trace the bomb, due to which they were suspended,” a senior police official confirmed.

Security Lapse Comes Just Few Days Before Independence Day

The Red Fort holds national importance, especially on Independence Day, as it serves as the venue for the Prime Minister’s address to the nation. Given the sensitive nature of the site and the looming August 15 event, security drills are being conducted daily to evaluate and reinforce existing protocols.

The failure to detect a test bomb has raised serious questions about the preparedness of the security apparatus at one of the country's most critical heritage and ceremonial sites. With just over a week left for Independence Day, the lapse is being taken seriously at all levels of Delhi Police.

Officials said that further disciplinary action and retraining may be implemented to prevent any such lapses in the future. Meanwhile, security measures around the Red Fort have been tightened, and surveillance drills are likely to become more frequent and rigorous in the days leading up to the national event. An internal investigation is also underway to ensure accountability and identify any procedural gaps.