RAF deployed at Metro stations, plain clothed armed guards in trains

New Delhi, July 12 (UNI) Plain-clothed armed guards, ordered to 'shoot whenever needed', have been deployed on metro trains in Delhi, to prevent any sabotage efforts by extremists in view of the Mumbai serial blasts.

The guards have orders to shoot if neccessary during any exigency which could save passengers from any likely 'attack', according to a senior Crime Branch official, who is incharge of the security of Delhi Metro.

This step forms part of the 'extra measures' taken by security agencies to protect the Metro network from any terrorist attack, he added.

Besides this, Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were today deployed at Metro stations to beef up the security apparatus, besides the regular security set up in place since yesterday following declaring of 'high alert'.

Alongwith the already deployed seven companies of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), station managers and controllers of the Metro have been instructed to increase patrolling within their stations, according to Metro sources.

''Train operators have also been asked to be extra vigilant and remain alert. Frequency of public announcements, warning people on suspected objects and persons, have been increased and securitymen posted inside compartments.'' And above all, the usual vigil of the underground network through CCTV and 'Operation Control Room' enhanced and monitoring increased, sources added.

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