In what appeared to be retaliation for British authorities failing to stop Khalistan supporters in London from vandalising the Indian high commission, additional barricades and security setup deployed outside the British high commission as well as Alex Ellis, the UK's high commissioner to India, were taken down.
India had slammed the UK after the incident, saying it found the “indifference” of London authorities to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel there unacceptable. It had strongly protested against what it described as complete absence of security outside the Indian high commission.
The Indian mission was vandalised despite India having repeatedly asked the UK authorities to beef up security at the high commission premises.
Barricades removal more like a symbolic move
However, the general security around the area was tightened, and intelligence officials also kept a hawk-eyed vigil on movement close to the premises at Chanakyapuri and Rajaji Marg. It appeared that the Indian move to remove barricades from the UK high commission and the high commissioner's residence was more of a symbolic gesture, according to sources.
“Barricades placed on the pathway towards the commission that created hurdles for commuters have been removed,” a senior police officer said. A group of people chanting pro-Khalistan slogans had vandalised the Indian high commission in London and taken down the Indian flag.