Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Indian intelligence agencies have sounded an alert warning that Khalistani terrorist groups and Bangladesh-based terror outfits could attempt attacks in Delhi and several other cities as Republic Day on January 26 approaches, according to officials familiar with the assessment.n
The advisory, cited by ANI, points to heightened activity by Punjab-based gangsters who are allegedly being used as local operatives by radical handlers operating from abroad. The report could not be independently verified.
According to the intelligence note, criminal gangs rooted in Punjab are increasingly acting as “foot soldiers” for Khalistani and other radical elements based overseas. These handlers are believed to be leveraging existing criminal networks to push their agendas and undermine internal security.
The alert further says such gangs are active across Haryana, the Delhi-NCR region, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and are gradually building links with Khalistani terrorist elements, raising concerns ahead of the national celebrations.
Security measures are routinely intensified around Republic Day each year. This time, officials say, arrangements in the national capital are especially tight following the deadly blast near the Red Fort months ago, when a car explosion killed over a dozen people and later led investigators to uncover a larger terror module.
Police and security agencies have since reviewed vulnerabilities across the city and stepped up coordination among multiple stakeholders.
In the run-up to the January 26 parade, North District Police carried out a series of simulated mock drills at crowded and sensitive spots to test preparedness and response times. Four such exercises were conducted during the first half of January 2026.
Locations covered included historical sites, major markets, transport hubs and Metro stations such as ISBT Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli and Sadar Bazar, all considered sensitive from a security standpoint.
Meanwhile, preparations for the Republic Day parade are underway. At least 30 tableaux are expected to roll down Kartavya Path, showcasing India’s cultural diversity and development milestones.
The tableaux will be organised around the themes “Svatantrata Ka Mantr – Vande Mataram” and “Samrddhi Ka Mantr – Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” marking 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram as the country celebrates Republic Day under heightened security.
