The Election Commission is stepping up security measures in West Bengal ahead of vote counting, aiming to prevent any repeat of post-poll violence seen in previous elections.
Central forces to stay on guard
Even before counting begins, the poll body has decided to retain around 70,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel across the state, The Times of India reported. These forces will reportedly remain deployed in sensitive areas, particularly districts that have previously reported incidents of violence after election results.
Also Read | Mamata Banerjee visits strong room amid EVM tampering claims; EC denies irregularities
Officials say the focus is on maintaining a strong presence in vulnerable pockets and ensuring that any attempt to disrupt peace is dealt with promptly.
Lessons from 2021 violence
The move comes in the backdrop of the 2021 post-poll unrest, which saw widespread incidents across several districts. According to the then DGP's report submitted to an NHRC inquiry committee, there were 1,934 cases of violence. These included serious offences such as murder, sexual assault, arson and grievous hurt, TOI reported.
The NHRC inquiry further noted that the violence was "organised, widespread and targeted", often linked to political affiliations. Of the 9,304 people accused, only 1,345 were arrested. It also found that FIRs were not registered in nearly 60 per cent of complaints.
Monitoring on counting day
To strengthen oversight, control rooms will be set up at the Election Commission headquarters, Nirvachan Sadan, as well as at the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer. These centres will actively monitor developments on counting day, May 4, per TOI.
Officials will coordinate responses in real time, ensuring that any untoward incident is addressed without delay.
Also Read | ‘Murder of democracy’: TMC alleges EVM tampering, Mamata Banerjee to visit site
Legal push for tighter oversight
Meanwhile, concerns around law and order have also reached the courts. A recent PIL in the Supreme Court has sought the formation of a high-level monitoring committee led by a retired judge. The plea urges closer supervision of the state’s law enforcement machinery and calls for adequate deployment of central forces in sensitive regions.
With counting day approaching, authorities appear focused on preventing escalation and maintaining order across the state.
