Security for models beefed up as Auto Expo goes public

Auto Expo organisers deployed a string of private security guards barricading the exhibits in order to avoid any misconduct with models, with the event in Greater Noida being thrown open to the general public on Friday.

At each exhibit where models were showcasing the vehicle(s), at least one security guard was seen asking visitors to maintain distance from the models.

Even though the 'car and bike girls' were apprehensive about the crowd response to the 'eye candies', organisers said there was no major trouble. However, isolated incidents of visitors passing lewd comments at the models were reported, a visitor said.

'We have allowed people to click photographs of the exhibits and models, but we kept a check on people who tried to come too close. To avoid any mishap or quarrel with the visitors, we try to stop them as soon as they approach the barricade,' said Ram Kumar, a security guard deployed at Hall No 12 of the India Expo Mart.

According to officials, the number of security guards was increased for crowd management to ensure the safety of models as well as the exhibits.

Neeru, a visitor, said, 'As a woman, I feel that security of these good looking models is extremely essential, especially in when the crowd is large.'

She added, 'Only at a few places, I observed people were passing lewd comments at models. However, the security guards and other male representatives ensured visitors did not come too close.'

Officials are expecting larger crowds on weekends and the models are prepared to deal with it.

'I can handle large crowds. We are expected to deal with such difficult situations calmly. Our organisers have promised that they will take care of our security. Sometimes, men approach us asking for our mobile numbers, but security guards keep them away,' said Ruchika (name changed), a model at the Auto Expo.