Latest news with #SanjayArora
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Delhi Police dog squad: Too many threats, too few paws
In a city rattled by hoax bomb threats, high-stakes security drills and drug busts, Delhi's most loyal frontline defenders are falling short — not in spirit, but in numbers. The Delhi Police dog squad, vital to detecting bombs, tracing suspects, and locating the missing, is operating at just 60% of its sanctioned strength. With only 64 dogs on duty instead of the required 105, the Capital's canine force is stretched dangerously thin. The pressure has only intensified since July last year, when the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) came into effect, calling for forensic-led policing across India. In Delhi, where more than 500 hoax bomb threats were recorded in 2024 alone—targeting schools, railway stations, and markets—the demand for trained dogs has skyrocketed. Yet, in six of the city's 15 police districts, dogs are not easily available. Back in August 2023, police commissioner Sanjay Arora issued a directive: every district must have its own dog squad, and select police stations should be equipped with specialised kennels. Two years later, that vision remains mostly unfulfilled. Vast swathes of the city—police districts including South, Southeast, Dwarka, Shahdara, Rohini and Outer Delhi—remain without a single dog. And in the districts that do, numbers barely meet emergency needs. According to the Crime Branch, which oversees the K9 squad, each district should house at least seven dogs—trained in explosives, narcotics, and tracking. But internal records accessed by HT show a stark shortfall: Northeast Delhi has just two dogs; North has four; Central and East have five each. New Delhi and Southwest fare slightly better with eight and nine dogs respectively. Eleven of the 64 dogs are stationed with the Crime Branch, serving citywide emergency needs. Senior police officers say they're often forced to 'borrow' dogs from neighbouring districts or the Crime Branch for routine security checks, VIP movements, and special events. 'We even rely on CISF's dogs for help during large-scale deployments,' said an officer in New Delhi district, which handles the bulk of VIP movements. Even where dogs are available, they are often overworked and fatigued. 'Dogs can work for about an hour at a time, especially Labradors and Golden Retrievers. In summer, they tire quickly and need at least 30-45 minutes of rest between deployments,' said head constable Vishal Singh, a dog handler. 'Belgian Malinois are more efficient—they can go longer, but they're also expensive and difficult to procure.' Of the 64 dogs currently in service, 58 are trained in explosive detection, just three are tracker dogs, and three are trained for narcotics. They include 22 Labradors, 17 Belgian Malinois, 16 German Shepherds and nine Golden Retrievers. But Delhi needs more—and needs them fast. The workload has become overwhelming. Each bomb threat, even if a hoax, triggers a full-scale response: bomb disposal units, sniffer dogs, and crime teams are dispatched to every location named in the threat. And each email often lists 10 to 15 schools or locations. 'We need two to three dogs per school to sweep every floor and room. When we get multiple threats in a day, it's physically impossible to manage,' said a canine handler in Model Town. Last October, an explosion outside a CRPF school in Rohini damaged walls and nearby vehicles. The following month, another low-intensity blast occurred in Prashant Vihar. While there were no casualties, the dog squad was pressed into action both times to trace the source and remnants of the improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Then came the real test of endurance. Last week, a four-storey building collapsed in northeast Delhi's Mustafabad, killing 11. The rescue operation ran for 16 hours, and a three-member dog squad was deployed to search for trapped victims. A similar building collapse in Burari three months earlier had killed five and left over a dozen trapped. Tracker dogs helped locate survivors in both instances. 'These incidents involve multi-storey structures, and first responders often can't see through the debris. Dogs are crucial in helping us detect trapped persons or bodies,' said a senior fire department official. The dog squad had once been stronger. 'We only use dogs between the ages of two and 10. Beyond that, they grow weak and can no longer serve in high-pressure environments,' said a dog squad official. 'We inducted 30 dogs between 2023 and 2024, mostly from military and paramilitary training centres. But we lost nearly the same number to retirement or illness.' At present, 115 police personnel are posted with the canine unit to train, care for, and operate the dogs across districts. But those numbers, too, are under strain. Recognising the growing burden, the Delhi Police has now begun drawing up plans to expand the scope of the canine unit. Senior officers told HT that two new categories of dogs—combat dogs and life-saver dogs—will soon be introduced for the first time in Delhi. 'These dogs will go beyond bomb and narcotics detection. Combat dogs will help during raids, and life-saver dogs can assist in medical emergencies and disaster rescues,' said Devesh Kumar Srivastava, special commissioner of police (Crime Branch). 'The aim is to build a more versatile, responsive, and resilient squad.' But as the city waits for that upgrade, the immediate concern remains dire: a squad on the brink, a city vulnerable, and the rising weight of emergencies falling on four legs that are simply too few.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Time of India
Suit up for bigger threats: Advanced bullet-resistant equipment for Delhi cops
AI Image NEW DELHI: Amid a higher threat perception, Delhi Police is procuring advanced protective gear to bolster its frontline deployment and enhance personnel safety. A substantial quantity of bullet-resistant equipment is being acquired, police sources said. The force is procuring around 7,900 bullet-resistant vests and helmets that will offer 3A-level protection from handguns and similar weapons. Another 7,930 jackets offering advance level 5 protection are also being acquired for protection against threats from assault rifles and weapons of that grade. Also being bought are 1,493 bullet-resistant patkas for use by some cops, including those of the Sikh faith, a senior officer revealed. The patka includes a steel band covered with expandable polyethylene sheet or EVA foam sheet for added protection. "The patka also features a suitable disruptive cover with strapping harness and arrangement for air circulation besides a high-density foam trauma pad with a water-resistant cover to minimise shot impacts," the officer said. Delhi Police has also set in motion the procurement of 1,000 bullet-proof visors for face protection. To ensure seamless connectivity, 2,000 multi-accessory connectors are also being procured. The cops need advanced bulletproof vests and jackets to protect against high-velocity rifle rounds, which are increasingly common in terrorist attacks and violent crimes. Enhanced safety in urban warfare scenarios is also crucial, as Delhi is a densely populated urban space where police operations may involve complex scenarios. "These advanced protective gear will significantly enhance the safety and effectiveness of Delhi Police personnel, enabling them to respond more confidently to threats from criminals and terrorists," said an office at Police HQ. "The force is committed to modernising its capabilities and staying ahead of emerging threats." Police commissioner Sanjay Arora is learnt to have given his nod for the proposals. Officers said that the vests would not only be worn by cops going on raids but also by the front ranks during riots and agitations. Police sources said that the jackets being acquired would comply with the American National Institute of Justice standards, considered to be the world standard for bullet proof jackets. The level 3+ armour also has the ability to resist bullets of .357 bore and soft armour piercing rounds including 7.62x39mm steel core bullets used in AK series rifles and 7.62x51mm battle rifle rounds used in sniper rifles. Jackets of level 3A and beyond will protect the cops from bullets fired from a range of weapons like AK rifles, sten machine guns, M and carbines, etc. Apart from bullets, the jackets will also be able to stop stabs made with knives or ice-picks. The new vests are assumed to cost around Rs 1 lakh each, which is more than double the price of the older vests that cost Rs 40,000. However, the actual cost is yet to be confirmed. Sources said that before procurement, the jackets had to clear the test parameters fixed by the Bureau of Police Research and Development and the police modernisation division of the Union home ministry. The jackets are made of several layers of Kevlar sheets and metallic plates. They will protect the chest, back, ribs, groin and neck and will weigh less than 2.5kg, a standard for all kinds of armour. Explaining the features of the new jackets, an officer said that the vests would be abrasion proof, water and fire proof and treated for protection against ultraviolet ray exposure. The jackets are available in large and standard sizes, besides in the 'extra large' size. There has been a longstanding demand from police personnel for additional, higher safety jackets. Many of the jackets Delhi Police had till a few years ago were not just outdated but also heavy, weighing 11-13kg apiece, an officer recalled, adding that it was extremely difficult to wear these jackets for hours. A few years ago, a Delhi court expressed concerns at the city's ill-equipped policemen, after which the city police force had begun efforts to procure bulletproof jackets for senior field officers and personnel engaged in patrolling and on law-and-order duty as well as for commandos handling riots and terror attacks. The absence of bulletproof jackets or their poor quality has been known to have resulted in the deaths of several cops in the country. While top Mumbai policeman Hemant Karkare was a victim during the 26/11 terrorist attack, Delhi cop Mohan Chand Sharma died during the 2008 encounter at Batla House.
Economic Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
How this Indian family turned curtains and cushions into a Rs 1,000 crore global empire
Sanjay Arora, Co-founder and Managing Director of D'Decor Exports, feels that the Make in India initiative has created a strong environment for home textile players. The Indian home furnishing market— which is expected to reach $80 billion from $44 billion in 2024—is at a pivotal juncture, with consumers demanding both quality and design innovation. Sanjay Arora, Co-founder and Managing Director of D'Decor Exports, feels that the Make in India initiative has created a strong environment for home textile players, positioning India as a global hub for high-quality, competitively priced textiles. Founded in 2010, D'Decor Exports was envisioned to create an Indian brand that delivers quality comparable to international standards. Arora entered the business in 1999 as a curtain manufacturer. Following the recession of 2008, he felt the need to strengthen their presence in the domestic market. This set the innings for a brand that now reaches over 250 cities across India and exports to 65 countries, generating revenues of approximately Rs 1,000 crore. In an interview with ET Digital, Arora gives a lowdown on what makes a home furnishing brand succeed in a market as diverse as India. Edited excerpts: The Economic Times Online (ET Digital): What was the vision behind starting D'Decor Exports? Sanjay Arora (SA): When we started out, much of the quality fabric in India was imported, even though Indian mills were producing comparable goods for export. It was a contradiction that we couldn't overlook. What the market lacked was an Indian brand that could offer European-standard quality, produced locally and priced sensibly. India has always been a value-driven market, and we believed that there was room to deliver premium quality at the right price. At the same time, the real estate sector was booming, and with it, the demand for quality furnishings. The Indian furnishing industry was fragmented, with no large-scale organised players. On the global front, buyers relied heavily on expensive Turkish and European suppliers. We saw an opportunity to build a world-class, vertically integrated manufacturing set-up in India; one that could serve both domestic and international markets with scale, quality, and efficiency. ET Digital: You entered the soft furnishing industry in 1999 as a curtain manufacturing company and eventually launched D'Decor in 2010. What have been some of the learnings so far in this business? SA: When we started in 1999, nearly 90% of our business was export driven. Indian manufacturing wasn't associated with premium home furnishings, but we saw an opportunity to change that perception. We focused on offering intelligent, high-quality fabrics, ensuring we didn't just compete on price but on value and of the biggest lessons I have learned is the importance of adaptability. During the 2008 recession, we realised we needed to strengthen our domestic presence. That's when D'Decor was born. Today, our business is equally divided between exports and the domestic markets, both of which have grown significantly. The key to our growth has always been a constant focus on consumer needs and continuously improving based on market feedback. ET Digital: Tell us more about the kinds of innovations you do in 3D technology and digitisation for consumers. How does this set you apart in the Indian market and as a global brand? SA: In the digital space, we have focused on enhancing our manufacturing and supply chain processes, knowing fabric is still fundamentally a tactile product. While online sales aren't as high-volume as our multi-brand outlets or stores, we have introduced AI-driven tools like digital lookbooks and visualisation features. These help customers see how our fabrics would look on different sofa styles or in various room settings, making the online experience much more interactive and our core innovation lies in the backend. We were one of the pioneers in adopting robotic warehouses back in 2008, much like the ones used by global giants, such as Amazon. This allows retailers to browse our digital catalogues, place orders, and receive the fabric within 48 hours without the need for physical inventory. In addition, our manufacturing processes are highly automated, with state-of-the-art machines that are digitally integrated to ensure efficiency and speed. ET Digital: What are some of the existing and upcoming product categories that hold significant potential for India in the home furnishing market? How frequently does D'Decor look at ramping up its product portfolio? SA: India's home furnishing market is at an exciting crossroads, with consumers demanding both quality and design innovation. Over the years, we have kept a close eye on these changes. Today, we manage over 13,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) and see strong demand for areas like outdoor fabrics, premium bedding, and durable upholstery solutions that cater to practical don't rush to launch new products just to increase numbers. Every year, we retire around 1,000 SKUs and introduce about 3,000 new ones, ensuring they meet the needs of our market. Just this April, we introduced a new wave of offerings to provide a comprehensive home furnishing are also modernising the retail experience, with a more digital, immersive store format. Our franchise model is helping us scale, and we have already signed 50 franchisees to roll out over the next two years. The goal is to make home styling more accessible and enjoyable for consumers. ET Digital: In your opinion, how favourable is the Make in India initiative for home textile companies in the market? What improvements would you like to see? SA: The Make in India initiative has created a strong environment for home textile players like us. Our business has grown over 42% in the past three years, and the sector is seeing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14%. India is quickly becoming a global hub for high-quality, competitively priced government support through initiatives like the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has been crucial, but further investments in infrastructure, logistics, energy efficiency, and skill development would drive even faster growth. The potential, both domestically and for exports, is huge. ET Digital: Given the rising competition from both organised and unorganised players, what strategies does D'Décor have in place to maintain its leadership in the market? SA: Our strategy is built on strong vertical integration, allowing us to control everything from raw material to finished product. This ensures superior quality, faster delivery, and greater efficiency compared to others. By focusing on continuous innovation and refining our processes, we remain committed to leading the market and meeting evolving consumer needs. ET Digital: What is your view on the role of omnichannel retail in home furnishings? How is D'Decor integrating offline and digital touchpoints? SA: Omnichannel retail is crucial today, as consumers research online before visiting stores. However, for home furnishings, nothing beats the tactile experience—feeling the fabric and imagining it in their are present in over 2,000 stores across India, with a growing franchise network. While online sales are strong, especially for bedding and rugs, the in-store experience remains are integrating digital tools to help customers locate stores, explore collections, and visualise fabrics in their homes. Through our franchise model, we are making the in-store experience more seamless with immersive digital features. For us, omnichannel retail enhances, not replaces, the physical touchpoint, ensuring convenience and trust.
Indian Express
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Month since launch, Delhi's ‘Shistachar Squads' detain over 6,500 for molestation, harassment
In a month since their launch, the 'Shistachar Squads' have detained 6,584 people for various offences such as molestation, harassment and eve-teasing, the Delhi Police said in a statement. In March, after a law and order review meeting by Home Minister Amit Shah, Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora formed the dedicated anti-harassment teams — aka 'Shishtachar Squads' — in all 15 police districts to curb crime against women in the city. According to the Special Police Unit for Women and Children, 1,055 drives were conducted between March 17 and April 24. These drives led to the detention of 6,584 people and the seizure of 275 vehicles. All districts were asked to form two dedicated squads of 12 members each. Senior police officers have now asked to tell the team members to attend a one-day training programme to understand their duties. Among the mandates for these squads were to enforce the law rather than impose personal or cultural morality on individuals, and ensure that the victims are protected from unnecessary public scrutiny or embarrassment, The Indian Express had reported. In its manifesto for the Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP had promised 'Anti-Romeo squads' in public spaces to check sexual harassment. The Uttar Pradesh government was the first to form such squads after Yogi Adityanath became Chief Minister in 2017. According to an officer, Delhi Police has been implementing multiple initiatives to curb crime against women, including sexual harassment and molestation, to foster a safer public environment and instill confidence amongst the vulnerable sections. To augment their efforts, police have decided to formulate district-wise dedicated 'anti eve-teasing squads' in all districts of Delhi Police, the officer said. These squads will comprise trained personnel who shall focus on preventing, deterring, and responding to such offences on a real-time basis, he said. The squads are supervised by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) from the district's Crime Against Women Cell. The primary focus area of the squads is hotspots and vulnerable areas that pose risks to women's safety. Each squad will have one Inspector and one Sub-Inspector, apart from four female police personnel and five male police personnel (Assistant Sub-Inspectors, head constables and constables).
Business Mayor
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Brain Health Startup Ivory and Construction Tech Platform MatBook Secure Fresh Funding Rounds
You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Brain Health Startup Ivory Raises USD 1 Mn Funding Mumbai-based brain health startup Ivory has raised USD 1 million in a fresh funding round co-led by IIMA Ventures and Capital A. The round also saw participation from 1Crowd, Stanford Angels, and angel investors including Dr Sanjay Arora, Adarsh Narahari, and Juhi Bhatnagar. The funds will be used to strengthen Ivory's clinical-grade digital assessment technology and expand distribution across India. The startup, founded in October 2022 by Issac John (CEO) and Rahul Krishnan (CPO), is focused on early detection of cognitive decline and proactive brain health management. Ivory offers FDA-registered cognitive assessments and personalised brain training programs through its mobile app. By combining neuroscience, neuropsychology, and data science, the platform empowers users to track, train, and optimise their brain health. Ivory's solution has gained traction among clinicians, psychologists, corporates, and insurers—partnering with brands like Ather Energy, WeWork, and PUMA. Issac John, Co-founder and CEO said, 'At Ivory, we are building for a future where brain health is prioritized just like physical health. As people move into their 40s and beyond, Ivory's early detection and intervention-led approach towards cognitive risks will play a pivotal role in reducing society's healthcare burden.' The company recently released India's first Brain Health Report and appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4, further boosting visibility. Backers believe Ivory is at the forefront of the shift from reactive care to preventive brain health. The team now aims to enhance AI capabilities, expand geographically, and invest in India-specific longitudinal research to redefine how brain wellness is approached in the country. Construction Tech Startup MatBook Raises USD 750K Funding MatBook, a construction tech startup, has raised USD 750,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by Seedstars International Ventures, Fluent Ventures, and Everywhere Ventures, with participation from angel investors linked to Autodesk and Amazon. The funds will be used to enhance its AI-powered platform, expand US operations, and grow its sales, tech, and operations teams. MatBook plans to advance its AI tools for pricing predictions, lead-time optimisation, and supplier recommendations. Founded by Harsh Badera, Nasir Hussain, Raghav Malhotra, and Shubham Sharma, MatBook connects US contractors and distributors directly with vetted manufacturers, offering integrated logistics, quality control, and financing. The platform addresses persistent supply chain inefficiencies in the construction sector. With features like Environmental Product Declarations, MatBook also supports green building compliance. The company now aims to introduce credit solutions and grow its manufacturing network to further streamline procurement and reduce project delays.
