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Kolkata Police Forms Special Election Cell to Boost Security for Assembly Polls

Kolkata Police has established a dedicated election cell to bolster the city's security apparatus ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The cell is under the overall charge of Additional Commissioner Devendra Prakash Singh, supported by a team of senior officers. This move is part of a broader reshuffle that included the appointment of a new Police Commissioner and the transfer of several senior police officials. The team's primary focus will be on enhancing surveillance against illegal activities, with a special emphasis on cyber monitoring and intelligence operations.

Key Points: Kolkata Police Sets Up Election Cell for Assembly Polls Security

  • Special election cell formed
  • Focus on cyber monitoring & intelligence
  • Senior police officers assigned
  • Part of major pre-poll reshuffle
  • Elections in two phases
2 min read

Kolkata Police set up special election cell team ahead of Assembly polls

Kolkata Police establishes a special election cell led by senior officers to enhance security, surveillance, and intelligence ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

"This is being seen as a significant step to strengthen the law and order situation in the city in the run-up to the elections. - Police Sources"

Kolkata, March 18

Ahead of the Assembly elections, Kolkata Police have taken key steps to strengthen the city's security apparatus. According to a directive issued by Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand on Wednesday, Additional Commissioner of Police Devendra Prakash Singh has been given overall charge of the election cell of Kolkata Police.

According to a senior police officer, this responsibility has been assigned to him following a partial revision of an earlier directive. The directive is to be implemented with immediate effect. This is being seen as a significant step to strengthen the law and order situation in the city in the run-up to the elections.

According to the notification, Lalbazar has formed a team to assist Devendra Prakash Singh in his responsibilities.

Kolkata Police Additional Commissioner (IV) Santosh Pandey, Joint Commissioner of Police (Organisation) Ajay Prasad, and Deputy Commissioner (Cyber) Abhishek Modi are part of the team.

The team also includes Kolkata Police Second Battalion Deputy Commissioner Anirban Sarkar and Intelligence Department Special Branch Deputy Commissioner Vidit Raj Bhundesh.

According to police sources, the team will play an important role in strengthening the city's security system ahead of the elections.

The main aim of this initiative is to enhance surveillance on illegal activities, particularly cyber monitoring and intelligence operations. Activities have already commenced in various branches of Kolkata Police following the directive issued on Wednesday.

Since the poll notification was issued, there has been a major reshuffle in administrative and top posts of the state police. Supratim Sarkar was removed from the post of Commissioner of Kolkata Police.

Ajay Kumar Nand was appointed in his place. Subsequently, 13 Superintendents of Police (SPs) were transferred across districts. Earlier in the day, the Election Commission also transferred five Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) from different zones.

Assembly elections in West Bengal will be held in two phases next month -- April 23 and April 29. The results will be announced on May 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move. The reshuffle of top police officials before elections is standard practice to ensure neutrality. Let's hope the new team works without any political pressure and focuses solely on security.
A
Arjun K
While the intention seems good, I hope this isn't just for show. We've seen such 'special cells' before elections many times. The real test is on the ground - preventing violence and voter intimidation. Actions matter more than notifications.
S
Sarah B
The inclusion of the Cyber Deputy Commissioner is smart. So much election misinformation spreads online these days. Monitoring that space is as important as physical security.
V
Vikram M
Bengal elections are always high-stakes. This team looks experienced. Commissioner Nand has his work cut out for him. Wishing the police force all the best for a smooth election. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
As a resident of Kolkata, I feel reassured reading this. It's important for citizens to feel safe when they go out to vote. Hope the police presence is strong and visible in all neighbourhoods.

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