Standing under the tree at the capital's iconic Vijay Chowk overlooking the seats of power –  the North Block and South block – are the elite commandos of Delhi Police. Armed with AK-47 s, MP5s, anti-ballistic glasses and GPS-enabled navigation and communication devices, these men and women from the recently-raised Parakram team of Delhi Police keep a hawk eye on the movements of people in the busy square.

The Parakram teams have been formed as the first line of defence against a terror attack in the capital.

Specially trained by the elite National Security Guards (NSG), these Delhi Police commandos have been tasked to establish first contact with terrorists in case of an attack. Their task is to keep them engaged and cornered till the arrival of re-enforcements, like the highly-specialised special operations group of NSG.

The Parakram team operates on the lines of the Police Control Room (PCR) which remains on the road in direct touch with the people. With bullet proof jackets and sophisticated weaponry, the Parakram commandos have been stationed at key spots across the city carefully selected on the basis of threat perception. These are mainly crowded areas or sensitive locations.

The deployment

Parakram teams have been positioned across the capital. They can be seen at Vijay Chowk, Palika Bazar, Saket Select City Mall, Police Headquarters, Pacific Mall, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Chandni Chowk, Jhandewalan and DLF Mall Vasant Kunj.

To begin with 14 Parakram Vans would be located at locations – Supreme Court of India, Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Area, Delhi High Court, Khan Market, Parliament House, India Gate, L.G. House, Sarojini Nagar Market, Lajpat Nagar Market, Akbar Road, Netaji Subhash Palace and two reserved for emergencies.

 The equipment

Parakram Van lead commando sports tactical vest and carries a stunner gun with light, body, worn camera, pepper spray and standard baton. Delhi Police said that these commandos are in war mode 24x7, sporting dungaree fatigues and armed with AK-47 and MP-5 rifles and tactical gear – bullet proof jacket, tact belt with pouches, all weather caps, arms and knee pads, anti ballistic goggles, half gloves and pepper spray. All commandos have undergone arms training at Delhi Police Short Range training facility in Old Police Lines, Civil Lines. The contingent of commandos has a fair mix of women commandos.

 The threat

The force is being raised to deal with multiple challenges posed by terrorist groups. Delhi Police said it has taken into account the security threat following the spread of ISIS, and its attacks in Europe.