New Delhi

Intelligence agencies have issued a nationwide alert ahead of Republic Day, cautioning that banned Khalistani groups and terror outfits based in Bangladesh may attempt to target New Delhi and several other cities, sources said on Saturday.

According to Intelligence Bureau (IB) inputs, Punjab-based gangsters are increasingly being used as “foot soldiers” by Khalistani and radical handlers operating from abroad. These handlers are allegedly exploiting criminal networks to advance their agendas and pose threats to internal security.

“Ahead of January 26, intelligence agencies have warned that Khalistani terrorist organisations and Bangladesh-based terror groups could attempt attacks in New Delhi and other parts of the country,” intelligence sources said.

The inputs further indicate that gangsters active in Punjab are gradually establishing links with Khalistani terror elements and are operating across Haryana, the Delhi-National Capital Region, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

“These criminal elements are being utilised by overseas handlers to destabilise the internal security environment,” an official source added.

In view of the heightened threat perception ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, Delhi Police have stepped up security arrangements. As part of preparedness measures, North District Police conducted multiple mock drills at sensitive and crowded locations to assess response times and coordination among various agencies.

Four simulation exercises were carried out during the first half of January 2026 at key locations in North Delhi, including vital installations, heritage sites, major markets and transport hubs that witness heavy footfall.

The drills were conducted at places such as the Red Fort, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar and several Metro stations, all of which are considered highly sensitive from a security standpoint.

The exercises were aimed at strengthening anti-terror preparedness and sensitising both agencies and the public to remain vigilant in the event of any suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, preparations for the Republic Day parade are in full swing, with at least 30 tableaux set to roll down Kartavya Path, showcasing India’s cultural diversity and developmental progress.

ALSO READ: The scope of RSS and Muslim dialogue is expanding

The tableaux will be presented under the themes “Svatantrata Ka Mantr – Vande Mataram” and “Samrddhi Ka Mantr – Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, marking 150 years of the national song “Vande Mataram.”