Bengal turns into fortress for second phase polls: 2.3 lakh CAPF and 2.3 lakh population, 38,297 state police in place

KOLKATA: The final phase of the West Bengal assembly polls is unfolding under a security grid rare in Indian elections, covering 142 constituencies in seven districts. Numbers dictate the scale – more than 2.3 lakh Central Armed Police Force personnel, 38,297 state police, 142 general observers, 95 police observers, 100 expenditure observers and NIA teams have been dispersed across sensitive areas.Wednesday’s vote was preceded by a sweeping crackdown – an election day marked by overwhelming force, tight surveillance and a clear message: Voting must remain fear-free and fair.More than 800 people were arrested on Monday night alone, and the number of preventive detentions surged. The central task force also visited sensitive areas and warned local political officials to abide by the law or face consequences.Within 72 hours, 2,348 alleged troublemakers, including TMC councilors from Panihati and Burdwan, were jailed under the EC directive. An additional 653 non-bailable warrants were issued. “The European Commission has asked the police to ensure that no troublemakers are outside before dawn,” a source said.Kolkata is at the center of the deployment. As many as 274 companies of central forces (22,500 personnel) supported by 7,250 city police personnel will set up 5,172 police booths at 1,961 locations, the highest deployment ever recorded in the city. East Burdwan (263 companies) and Hooghly Rural (236 companies) also attracted significant attention, reflecting past hot spots and risk assessments.Of the 41,001 stalls, nearly 12,000 stalls were classified as critical stalls. Other CAPF rapid response teams will cover Bhangar, Canning, Falta and Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas and Nadanghat and Ketugram in East Burdwan. Security planning has been adapted by constituency, with a focus on vulnerable areas and outback communities.NIA teams have been deployed in all eight constituencies, including Khagragarh, where a blast in 2014 killed two terrorists and injured three others. Their presence underscores heightened vigilance in areas with a history of extremist activity.