NEWSLINKS
US EDITION
COLUMNISTS
DIARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
ELECTIONS
ARCHIVES

Search Rediff

Rediff Shopping

Shop & gift from thousands of products!   Books     Music       Apparel   Jewellery   Flowers   More..      Safe Shopping

Tight security for Gates

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

Microsoft chief Bill Gates is being given security almost on par with a visiting head of state, according to Delhi police officials and Maurya Sheraton hotel staff, where the world's richest person is staying during his India visit.

Gates, who arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday evening in a private jet, is staying in a sanitised sixth-floor suite, with special exit and entry points and a reserved elevator.

"We are providing security outside and have posted forces in and around the hotel. But his close-ring security is being taken care by his company," a senior police official said.

An American embassy spokesman clarified that Gates' visit was that of a "private citizen" and contrary to local media reports the embassy was not providing him security. ''However, some officials could be attending his meetings, if invited," he said.

According to police sources, Microsoft's Indian arm has hired a private security firm to provide him the outer ring of security cover. Security men from Microsoft have combed the hotel, where several VVIPs, including American President Bill Clinton, have stayed.

The team had sanitised the sixth floor and kept it vacant for several days. Only security personnel, hotel staff and Microsoft officials will be allowed entry, besides special invitees like Infosys chief N R Narayanamurthy and Wipro chief Azim Premji.

Hotel staff and Microsoft officials are keeping Gates' itinerary a closely guarded secret.

Chief ministers, like Andhra Pradesh's Chandrababu Naidu, Karnataka's S M Krishna and Gujarat's Keshubhai Patel, may call on him.

The hotel staff, security personnel and Microsoft's Indian officials have been provided special identity cards. "We are taking all precautions. We are treating him on par with a head of state," a senior hotel official said.

Sensors and closed circuit televisions have been installed at the hotel and Gates' private security is continuously monitoring the movement of all individuals in and around the hotel. The sixth floor has special rescue exits too.

Gates arrived at the Indira Gandhi international airport 19:40 hours IST and was allowed a green channel exit, without mandatory customs and security checks. His jet was parked close to the ceremonial launch, where from Gates was picked up in a black Mercedes. His five-car cavalcade comprised of personal security, security guards trained in VIP duties hired by his Indian firm and key aides.

He arrived at the hotel at 20:15 hours IST and headed to his suite, which houses a library.

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report