In the aftermath of the November 10 blast near the Red Fort that claimed 15 lives, Delhi Lt Governor V. K. Saxena has issued a series of sweeping directions to strengthen policing, regulate explosive materials, and curb radicalisation across the capital.
The orders, issued in written communications to Police Commissioner Satish Golcha and Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma on November 19, follow revelations that ammonium nitrate was among the explosives used by a “suicide bomber.” The blast came days after an interstate “white-collar” terror module was uncovered, involving the seizure of 3,000 kg of explosives, largely from Faridabad in Haryana.
Digital Record of Ammonium Nitrate Purchases
Saxena has asked Delhi Police to maintain a digital database of all entities purchasing or selling ammonium nitrate beyond a prescribed limit.
He also directed police to revisit the Standing Order of 2022 on licensing, storage and movement of ammonium nitrate under the Delhi Police Act, Explosives Act and Ammonium Nitrate Rules.
The LG has emphasised that digital records must include:
- Photographs of buyers and sellers
- Identity details
- Quantities purchased/sold
- Other relevant information
Tracking Radicalised Content
The police have been instructed to hold consultations with social media companies, including Meta and X, to scientifically track radicalised online content aimed at brainwashing citizens.
The communication adds that:
- Human and technical intelligence must be strengthened
- Vulnerable areas prone to radicalisation must be closely monitored
- Community outreach should be increased to improve preventive policing
Security Audit of Markets, Transport Hubs
All DCPs have been directed to conduct a rigorous security audit of:
- Busy markets
- ISBTs
- Railway stations
- Cinema halls
- Parks
- Metro stations
- Other high-footfall public places
The audit will evaluate CCTV coverage, beat deployment, and security personnel arrangements.
In areas where dark spots are identified, police must compile and forward a report for additional CCTV installations.
Central Data Repository for Medical Staff
The LG has instructed the administration to create a central database of doctors and para-medical staff, especially those working in private hospitals, along with details of their qualifications.
Degrees obtained from foreign institutions must be cross-verified with police for secondary background checks.
Stricter Rules for Vehicle Ownership & Sales
A consultation with digital platforms and financiers involved in vehicle trading—particularly in the second-hand vehicle market—has also been ordered.
The LG has directed that:
“Under no circumstances will vehicles be allowed to ply where the actual owner is different from the registered owner.”
Officials highlighted that this issue is most acute in the autorickshaw sector, where the permit holder often differs from the actual owner.
