Obama visit: 100 US security personnel for President’s protection in Agra

Agra: About 100 American security personnel along with their 4000 Indian counterparts will ensure a protective cover to President Barack Obama and his family when they visit the world famous Taj Mahal here on January 27.

The security cover will involve an intense ground-to-air paraphernalia to ensure that there is no untoward incident during the visit of the world's most guarded leader.

A meeting was held here today to give final touches to the security drill for the visit of the VVIP family who will be here for a few hours to see the 17th century monument of love.

Obama, who will be arriving in India on January 25 for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day, will visit Taj Mahal on January 27.

"I cannot give you detailed security arrangements. But yes, we are going to deploy lot of force and security of police and commandos," SSP Agra Rakesh Modak told reporters.

Security men patrol in a motor boat behind Taj Mahal in Agra ahead of US President's visit (Photo: PTI)

He said around 4,000 security personnel, including local police and paramilitary forces, will be deployed for protection "American security have their contingent with them. They are also around 100 people," Modak added.

A 30-member advance team of the US President's security has already been camping here and is visiting the Taj Mahal daily to fine-tune the security details in coordination local police officials.

Aerial security will be a part of the protective apparatus. Uttar Pradesh police will be hiring a helicopter for the purpose, IG (Law & Order) A Satish Ganesh had said on Tuesday.

CCTV cameras are being installed along the route from the Kheria airport to Taj Mahal, a distance of about 11 km.
Officials indicated that commandos will be posted along the street corners, on roof tops and crossings.

Senior officials including half a dozen IPS officers, hundreds of inspectors, sub-inspectors, from neighbouring districts are being put on the job.

"IG, Meerut zone, has been made the nodal officer to work out the route and sorties by the helicopter in view of the inputs with regard to the security," Ganesh had said.

The helicopter will start making sorties soon, he said adding that an air support unit team is also being developed. The state government has demanded 10 companies of RAF (each comprising of around 100 personnel) for Agra and the same number of CRPF for districts adjoining the NCR region.

Agra Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Bhatnagar said today's meeting was in the context of security arrangements for Obama along with his wife Michelle and two daughters.

"...I have asked my officers to ensure that if his visit takes place to Agra, everything is done in a proper manner. Protocol is upheld," he added.

Asked whether the level of security is the same as other VVIPs who have visited here, Modak said the standards are the same as used by the American VVIPs.