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Kolkata Police Tighten Hotel Surveillance Ahead of Phase 2 Polls

Kolkata Police has intensified security measures ahead of the second phase of Assembly elections on April 29. Commissioner Ajay Nand has ordered all police stations to monitor hotels, guest houses, and lodges for outsiders. Hotel authorities must verify guest IDs and share details with local police to prevent unrest. Additional patrols, naka checks, and IPS officers have been deployed at key entry points.

Key Points: Kolkata Police Hotel Surveillance for Phase 2 Polls

  • Kolkata Police orders surveillance of all hotels and lodges ahead of phase 2 polls
  • Emphasis on collecting detailed guest information including origin and purpose of stay
  • Hotel authorities asked to verify ID cards and share data with local police
  • Night naka check-points, mobile patrolling, and additional personnel deployed at key locations
2 min read

Kolkata Police step up hotel surveillance to track outsiders ahead of phase 2 polling

Kolkata Police step up hotel surveillance to track outsiders ahead of phase 2 Assembly elections on April 29. Strict checks at hotels, lodges, and entry points.

"The influx of outsiders increases in the city during elections. This step has been taken to ensure that no one gets involved in any unrest or illegal activities during this period. - top official at Lalbazar"

Kolkata, April 25

Kolkata Police has taken several stringent steps to strengthen security in the city ahead of the second phase of Assembly elections on April 29.

This time, Lalbazar (city police headquarters) has ordered that all big and small hotels and lodges in the city be brought under surveillance, with emphasis on collecting detailed information about guests - who is coming from where, why they are coming and how long they are staying.

According to the police, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand has instructed every police station in the city to keep a close watch on all hotels, guest houses and lodges in their respective areas. Special emphasis is being placed on monitoring the movement of people coming from outside ahead of the elections.

Hotel authorities have been asked to verify valid identity cards of every guest and share that information with the local police station.

A top official at Lalbazar said: "The influx of outsiders increases in the city during elections. This step has been taken to ensure that no one gets involved in any unrest or illegal activities during this period."

Police officers from various police stations in Kolkata are already visiting different areas to meet hotel owners and explain the new rules. The police have also said that not only big hotels, but also small lodges and budget guest houses are being brought under surveillance, as there is sometimes laxity in identity verification at such places.

In addition, naka check-points at night, mobile patrolling and additional police personnel have been deployed at key locations. Surveillance has been increased at railway stations, bus termini and city entry points.

IPS officers are now directly involved in night naka checks, with two IPS officers assigned to each key check-post to ensure stricter monitoring and eliminate any negligence.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Good initiative but I hope they don't go overboard. My cousin came from Delhi last week for work and they kept asking unnecessary questions at his lodge. Could have been handled more professionally. Still, better safe than sorry in such a crucial election phase.
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Michael C
As a foreigner living in Kolkata for two years, I completely understand the need for this. But I've noticed police sometimes focus too much on people from Bihar or UP. The rules should apply equally to everyone. Still, glad to see authorities taking security seriously. 🇮🇳
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Aman W
Finally some proactive policing! In 2019, there were so many reports of money and muscle power being brought in from outside. IPS officers doing night checks directly is a great move. But will this continue after elections? That's the real test of our police force.
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Tanya I
Arre, this is Kolkata - the city of joy! Why spoil the atmosphere? Instead of suspecting all outsiders, why not focus on actual criminals? My family runs a small lodge near Sealdah and now we have to do extra paperwork. But I understand, elections mein kuch bhi ho sakta hai. 😅
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David E
This is standard practice in many countries during elections. But what about the millions of genuine daily commuters from Howrah, Hooghly etc? They come to Kolkata for work every day. The police should focus on suspicious activities, not just outsiders. A balanced approach would be better.

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