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Security Tightened Across Kolkata Strongrooms Ahead of Bengal Results

Security has been significantly increased at several strongrooms in Kolkata, including Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls' High School and Netaji Indoor Stadium, ahead of the West Bengal election results. The Election Commission has ordered repolling in all 285 polling stations of the Falta assembly seat on May 21, with counting scheduled for May 24. Local residents in Falta staged protests alleging threats and intimidation by TMC cadre, with some claiming they were attacked despite voting for the ruling party. Heavy deployment of CRPF and RAF personnel, including an armored vehicle, has been made to maintain law and order in the area.

Key Points: Security Heightened Ahead of West Bengal Election Results

  • Security heightened at strongrooms in Kolkata
  • ECI orders repolling in Falta on May 21
  • Protests over alleged TMC threats and beatings
  • CRPF and RAF deployed in Falta area
2 min read

Kolkata: Security heightened across several strongrooms ahead of West Bengal election results

Heavy security deployed at strongrooms in Kolkata and Falta amid protests over alleged TMC intimidation ahead of May 4 vote counting.

"TMC's Israfil Chowkidar has threatened us that if these people win, they will burn our houses and carry out bloodshed. - Local woman protester"

Kolkata, May 3

Ahead of result day of West Bengal assembly elections, security was heightened outside several polling stations in Kolkata.

Heavy force was deployed outside the strongrooms in Kolkata, which included Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls' High School in Bhabanipur, Netaji Indoor Stadium, and several others.

Apart from managing security of strongrooms, the security was also increased outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office and Falta assembly constituency, where locals protested alleged threats and beatings by TMC leaders on Saturday.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed repolling in all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary polling stations, in the Falta assembly seat between 7 AM and 6 PM on May 21. Counting of votes will take place on May 24.

Meanwhile, the local residents staged a protest on Saturday in the Falta area of South 24 Parganas district, alleging threats and intimidation by Trinamool Congress (TMC) cadre ahead of the counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled on May 4.

Heavy security deployment was witnessed in the area, with personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) stationed at key locations. An armoured CRPF vehicle was also deployed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order amid rising tensions.

Protesting residents, including several women, raised concerns about their safety and demanded action against those allegedly responsible. A local woman claimed, "TMC's Israfil Chowkidar has threatened us that if these people win, they will burn our houses and carry out bloodshed." Another woman alleged that despite voting for the ruling party, they were targeted. "We had voted for TMC, yet they attacked us... We want him to be arrested. We need safety for women," she said.

Polling across 294 constituencies in West Bengal was held on April 23 and 29, respectively, with counting set to take place on May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
This is Bengal's reality. Violence, threats, and intimidation have become the norm during elections. The fact that even TMC voters are being attacked shows how deep the problem runs. I'm glad ECI ordered repolling in 285 polling stations — at least some accountability. But we need stricter action against the perpetrators.
M
Michael C
As someone who has been following Indian elections closely, this seems like a systemic issue in West Bengal. The fact that women are protesting in the streets alleging threats from the ruling party is a red flag. The heavy deployment of central forces is necessary, but what about long-term solutions? Democracy requires more than just security.
R
Rohit P
Sahi kaha — if even those who voted for TMC are being attacked, then something is seriously wrong. The fear in these women's voices is real. Jis gaav mein auratein safe nahi hain, wahan democracy ka kya matlab? Hope the counting on May 4 brings some change. Tension to hai hi. 🤞
S
Sarah B
It's heartbreaking to read about women being threatened with burnings and beatings just because of political affiliations. The security measures are important, but we must also address the root cause: political violence. Bengal deserves better than this cycle of fear and intimidation. Kudos to the ECI for ordering repolling, but more needs to be done.
V
Vikram M
The CRPF and RAF deployment shows how polarised Bengal has become. But honestly, ECI should have taken stricter action earlier. Repolling in 285 stations is good, but the damage to voter confidence is already done. We need an independent inquiry into these allegations, not

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