The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed the West Bengal government that 2,400 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed in the state ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The large-scale deployment is aimed at ensuring security during polling and preventing violence in the run-up to and aftermath of the elections.

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Phased deployment ahead of April polls

According to officials in the state home department, 480 CAPF companies have already been stationed in West Bengal earlier this month. An additional 1,920 companies will be deployed in phases over the coming weeks.

“The first batch of 300 companies will be inducted by March 31. Two more batches of 300 companies each will arrive by April 7 and April 10. By April 13, another 277 companies will reach the state, followed by the final batch of 743 companies by April 17,” a state home department officer said to Hindustan Times.

The Assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled to be held in two phases from April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4.

Forces to remain post polls to prevent violence

Officials said a significant number of CAPF personnel will remain in the state even after polling concludes.

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“Once polling ends on April 29, around 1,700 companies will be withdrawn. About 200 companies will remain deployed till counting day to secure strong rooms and counting centres. At least 500 companies will continue to be stationed in the state to maintain law and order and prevent post-poll violence,” the official added.

The continued deployment comes in the backdrop of concerns over violence during and after elections in the state.