By KUNA,
New Delhi : The Olympic torch relay run took place in the Indian capital Thursday amid tight security. The 2.3 km run from Presidential House to Indian Gate here, took place this afternoon, with up to 50 companies of Delhi Police deployed around the area, to prevent any disruptions by the Tibetan protestors. Noted Indian woman weightlifter Kunjum Rani Devi kicked off the relay run. As many as 70 Indian sports figures, film actors and others from the country took part in the torch run. They included Indian film actors Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Sagarika Ghatge and sportspersons including P T Usha and Anju Bobby and Leander Paes. Earlier, three Tibetan protestors, who were trying to disrupt the rally, were arrested from the venue. Nearly 15,000 paramilitary along with police personnel were deployed across Delhi to ensure safe passage of the torch. Barricades were erected along the designated route for the relay. The security arrangements were also enhanced outside Chinese embassy, which has witnessed a number of protests by the Tibetans in the last few days.
About 20 Chinese commandos from the Olympic Holy Flame Protection Group, formed the inner circle of the security ring while the India’s National Security Guards (NSG) personnel provided the second ring of protection for the torch relay. Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel formed the outer circle of the security cordon for the relay run. NSG took control of all the high-rise buildings along the relay route to keep a watch from rooftops. Two helicopters also provided air cover for the event. The relay route was curtailed from nine kilometers to 2.3 kms. The Olympic torch relay had earlier been disrupted in London, Paris and San Francisco.