Bengal: Kolkata police orders night patrols ahead of polls
Kolkata, April 9
Senior police officers of Kolkata will have to be on the streets from 10 pm to 2 am, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand has ordered.
On Thursday, he held a meeting with senior police officers of the city and gave this order there. He said that senior officers will have to come out more in public and inspect the areas at night.
The Commissioner of Police has asked officers to ensure strict surveillance in all election-related cases. These officers will also be able to give necessary instructions after understanding the importance of the incident.
The city's Joint Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner-rank officers were also present at today's meeting. They have also been ordered to inspect the areas at night. These officers will be present during the naka searches, and they will monitor the entire process.
Even these senior officers have been asked to be with the central forces. The emphasis is on inspecting and monitoring the areas before the Assembly elections.
Voting will be held in 294 Assembly constituencies of West Bengal in two phases on April 23 and 29. Eleven constituencies in Kolkata will go to the polls on the 29th. The results of the vote will be known on May 4.
At this stage, the state's police administration is under the Election Commission's control.
In the incident of unrest over the filing of nomination papers by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur, the Election Commission asked the Commissioner of Police whether he could handle law and order in Kolkata.
After that, the Commissioner of Police held a personal meeting with the officials of Lalbazar (city police headquarters) regarding the city's security.
It is worth mentioning that the Election Commission removed Supratim Sarkar from the post of Kolkata Commissioner of Police ahead of the Assembly polls and appointed Ajay Nand.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed dissatisfaction with the police's role on Thursday. It is alleged that the police did not provide proper security for her march to file her nomination yesterday.
In this situation, the police are sending a message to the public to maintain peace. It is being said that the Kolkata Police is determined to conduct voting in an environment free from fear and intimidation. Any unrest will be suppressed with strict measures. If there is an attempt to block or jam the booth, appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with the Commission's instructions.
The police are encouraging people to vote without fear. If anyone is obstructed from voting, they have been asked to report it to the police station.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative by Commissioner Ajay Nand. Having senior officers on the ground at night sends a clear message that misconduct won't be tolerated. The EC's oversight is crucial for free and fair elections.
While the intent is good, I have to ask - why was this order needed only now? Shouldn't senior officers be visible and proactive as a standard practice, especially in a politically charged city like Kolkata? This feels like a reaction after things went wrong.
As a Kolkata resident, this is reassuring. The last few days have been tense. Seeing top cops on patrol, especially with central forces, will deter trouble-makers. Everyone just wants to vote in peace.
Interesting move. Putting senior leadership directly in the field during critical hours shows they're serious. Coordination with central forces is key to avoid any confusion in command.
The police encouraging people to report obstruction is the most important part. Often, people are scared to complain. Hope this system works on the ground. Jai Hind!
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