Superintendent of Police Ajay Nand issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the BNSS prohibiting gatherings, processions and demonstrations of five or more persons anywhere near the vault. These restrictions will remain in effect until vote counting ends on May 4.Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s three-hour vigil at the Sakhawat Memorial High School storeroom in Bhowanipore, south Kolkata, on Thursday night drew crowds of BJP protesters to Lord Sinha Road, prompting security personnel to forcibly disperse them around midnight.The second flashpoint was Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in central Kolkata, where the Central Armed Police Force had to pull Trinamool and BJP workers apart to prevent all-out clashes. Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rupesh Kumar said additional troops have since been deployed at the two trouble spots under the supervision of an Additional Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner of Police.All surrounding roads have been closed, guardrails have been installed, and entry is restricted to those carrying EC-issued QR code identification documents. Lord Sinha Road remains completely closed to civilians.
EC: Any attempt to disrupt peace will be punished
The Election Commission issued a statement, citing the Kolkata constituency, ordering the civil and police departments to crack down on illegal activities. “Any attempt to disrupt peace will be punished,” the statement said.The EC said 700 companies of central forces have been deployed across the state to “stabilize and prevent disturbances”. All counting centers have three layers of security, supplemented by special patrols in vulnerable areas.Prohibitory orders were also issued around the counting centers at Hastings House Complex, APC Polytechnic, St Thomas Boys High School, Ballygunge Government High School and David Hare Training College in Kolkata.After inspecting a counting center in Purulia, chief executive Manoj Agarwal said the security protocols in place on counting day would be “sufficient” to ensure a smooth election campaign.The EC has set up a complaint hotline (18003450008) to ensure confidentiality. Any grievances can also be sent via email to wbfreeandfairpolls@gmail.com.
