The government has sought to allay concerns about security of U.S. diplomatic institutions here by pointing out that they are being protected by 150 police personnel on a round-the-clock basis.
The concerns had arisen after the government removed concrete balustrades on roads and public land around the U.S. Embassy as part of its policy of treating U.S. Consular staff on the same footing as their Indian counterparts in the US following the arrest and search of Indian woman diplomat Devyani Khobragade in New York.
Giving a break-up of the police deployment grid, official sources in the External Affairs Ministry said 50 police personnel were positioned at any given time in Chanakyapuri near the U.S. Embassy.
Also, two police vehicles permanently stationed along various roads near the Embassy. In addition, there was round-the-clock patrolling to ensure smooth flow of traffic. This level of security was by far the most provided to any Embassy in New Delhi, said the sources.
Security barriers and traffic restrictions around the U.S. Embassy complex are part of the steps taken by the government to remove preferential treatment to American diplomats after the treatment meted out to Ms. Khobragade.
