Security arrangements at the Taj Mahal in Agra have come under scrutiny after two foreign tourists allegedly accessed a restricted watchtower inside the monument complex and climbed to its rooftop, where an anti-drone surveillance system is installed.
A video showing the tourists on the sensitive structure has gone viral on social media, triggering concerns over security arrangements at one of India’s most protected historical monuments.
Couple used staircase
The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday, November 11, when the foreign tourist couple managed to reach Watchtower Number Four, situated near the Shahi Mosque on the northwestern side of the Taj Mahal complex.
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The tower, also known as a bastion, houses an anti-drone system used to monitor unauthorised drone activity in the prohibited airspace surrounding the monument.
According to reports, the tourists accessed the restricted structure using a staircase near the Chameli Floor area. They reportedly remained on the rooftop for some time, walking around and clicking photographs, without being immediately stopped by security personnel deployed in the area.
A short video capturing the couple on the rooftop subsequently surfaced on social media and attracted attention, bringing the alleged security breach into the spotlight. Following the circulation of the footage, security personnel intervened and the tourists were brought down from the structure.
ASI seeks report
The incident has raised questions about how foreign visitors managed to enter a restricted and sensitive area despite the presence of security personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Taj Security Police.
Taking cognisance of the matter, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sought a report from the concerned security authorities to ascertain how the tourists gained access to the watchtower and whether there was any lapse in security arrangements.
According to ACP Taj Security Yatendra Nagar, the tourists accessed the area due to a lack of awareness about the restrictions. He indicated that they had taken a pathway beside the mosque and were brought down after their presence was noticed. As per his statement reported by India Today, no action was initiated against them as the violation was not considered deliberate.
Other reports have suggested that the incident may have occurred during a change of security shifts, when access to the tower was reportedly left open. However, the exact circumstances leading to the breach are yet to be established.