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ECI Orders Bengal Police to Execute All Pending Arrest Warrants in 10 Days

The Election Commission of India has issued a strict directive to West Bengal and Kolkata Police to execute all pending non-bailable arrest warrants within ten days. It has also ordered the disposal of all pending criminal cases from previous elections. Police officers are instructed to identify high-crime areas and individuals with records of poll violence to ensure a secure environment. These measures come ahead of the two-phase Assembly elections scheduled for April 23 and April 29.

Key Points: ECI Directs Bengal Police to Execute Pending NBWs Before Polls

  • Execute pending NBWs in 10 days
  • Dispose of old poll-related cases
  • Identify high-crime pockets & history-sheeters
  • Ensure security for all political campaigns
2 min read

Bengal polls: ECI directs police to execute all pending non-bailable warrants within 10 days

Election Commission orders West Bengal Police to execute all non-bailable warrants within 10 days and secure high-risk areas ahead of Assembly elections.

"execute all pending non-bailable arrest warrants... within the next 10 days - Election Commission of India"

Kolkata, March 27

The Election Commission of India on Friday directed the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police to execute all pending non-bailable arrest warrants in the state within the next 10 days and take into custody all those against whom such warrants have been issued within that period.

At the same time, the Commission also directed the state police and the city police to dispose of all poll-related criminal cases from the previous elections at the earliest.

At the same time, sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said that the Commission has also reminded that with the Model Code of Conduct already in force, all state government employees are now on deputation to the ECI, and hence the Commission has the authority to take disciplinary action against them in case of any dereliction of duty.

As regards the execution of the pending non-bailable arrest warrants, the Commission has directed the Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) and the Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to immediately prepare a list of absconding criminal elements and conduct special raid and search operations to track and apprehend them.

The officers-in-charge (OCs) and the inspectors-in-charge (ICs) have been instructed to immediately identify those pockets under their respective jurisdictions that are highly prone to criminal activities, and also identify those rowdy elements or history-sheeters who have records of involvement in poll-related violence.

The OCs and ICs have further been advised by the Commission to ensure absolute security for political campaign programmes irrespective of political affiliations, besides ensuring the safety and security of those engaged in election-related duties.

The two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal are scheduled on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, polling will be held for 152 Assembly constituencies, and in the second phase, polling will be held for the remaining 142 Assembly constituencies. The results will be declared on May 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good step, but will it be implemented properly? In previous elections, we saw many criminals moving around freely despite warnings. The ECI putting state employees on deputation is key. They must answer to the Commission now, not local politicians.
R
Rahul R
Finally! This should have been done long back. These rowdy elements and history-sheeters spoil the entire democratic process. Common people just want to vote in peace. Hope this leads to a cleaner election.
A
Anjali F
While the intent is good, giving a 10-day deadline seems very ambitious. The police force is already stretched. Will they have the resources for special raids? I hope this doesn't lead to rushed or wrongful arrests just to meet the target.
D
David E
Interesting to see the ECI taking such direct control. The directive to secure campaign programs "irrespective of political affiliations" is the most important line. Security must be impartial for a fair contest.
K
Kavya N
My family is from North Bengal. We have seen goondagardi during polls firsthand. If the ECI can ensure these warrants are executed, it will be a huge relief for us. Jai Hind!

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