200 companies of central forces may stay back in West Bengal

KOLKATA: The Election Commission is likely to ask at least 200 companies of central forces to stay back in the state, a few of which will be dedicated to all nine divisions of the Kolkata Police. Eighty-two companies have been deployed for EVM security. “Post May 23, these companies will be deployed on the ground,” explained a home department official.
Kolkata Police sources said that the deployment can be made till May 27 — almost four extra days after the declaration of election results. “The discussions have been positive so far. Given that the state will be having at its disposal these forces after May 23, all stakeholders are being consulted. We are expecting the details to be worked out latest by Tuesday evening,” said a senior IPS officer at Bhawani Bhawan.

Kolkata Police officers, though, said they were confident. “We may have got some extra sections (each comprising eight men) of CAPF, but we have already deputed extra men at all our divisions. So far, no major clash has been reported in the city,” said an officer at Lalbazar.
Sources said they will be focussing on three aspects — quick response to distress calls, monitoring specific areas that have had a history of poll violence in the past, like Cossipore, Beliaghata and Shahid Smriti Colony in Panchasayer, and putting up nakas and checkpoints to ensure outsiders do not get a free hand in creating trouble. “The deployment of our own quick reaction teams, RT mobile vans and radio flying squads and motorbike patrols have been increased,” said a source.
Police said that some “politically active” men have been warned not to indulge in violence. “A day before polling, we had called them to the police stations and warned them against any excesses. A few of them were put under watch on Sunday. We will continue to do the same till May 25,” explained an officer.
Officers said the plan was to cover all police divisions. “ The instruction from the top is to be visible on the roads — beginning with naka checks in at least two to three points in each police station area, routine rounds by OCs and additional OCs, and checking and frisking,” said an officer.
So far, the cops have identified 82 points to carry out checks in the city.