Bengal turns fortress for phase-II poll: 2.3 lakh CAPF & 38,297 state cops in place

Kolkata: West Bengal's last signifier of assembly polls unfolds nether a information grid seldom seen successful Indian elections, stretching crossed 142 constituencies successful 7 districts. Numbers specify the standard - implicit 2.3 lakh Central Armed Police Forces personnel, 38,297 authorities police, 142 wide observers, 95 constabulary observers, 100 expenditure observers, and NIA teams person fanned retired crossed delicate zones.A sweeping crackdown preceded Wednesday's polling - an predetermination time framed by overwhelming force, adjacent surveillance and a wide message: polling indispensable stay fear-free and fair.More than 800 arrests were made Monday nighttime alone, adding to the surge successful preventive detentions. Central teams besides visited delicate zones, informing section governmental functionaries to enactment wrong instrumentality oregon look consequences.In 72 hours, 2,348 alleged troublemakers person been jailed nether EC directives, including TMC councillors successful Panihati and Burdwan.

Another 653 non-bailable warrants were issued. "EC has asked constabulary to guarantee nary trouble-mongers are extracurricular by dawn," a root said.Kolkata stands astatine the centre of deployment. As galore arsenic 274 companies of cardinal forces - 22,500 unit - backed by 7,250 metropolis constabulary volition unafraid 5,172 booths crossed 1,961 premises, the highest deployment recorded successful the city. East Burdwan (263 companies) and Hooghly Rural (236) besides drew a dense presence, reflecting past flashpoints and hazard assessments.

Nearly 12,000 booths person been classified arsenic captious retired of 41,001. Additional CAPF quick-reaction teams volition screen Bhangar, Canning, Falta and Sonarpur successful South 24 Parganas, and Nadanghat and Ketugram successful East Burdwan. Security readying has been calibrated constituency-wise, focusing connected susceptible pockets and interior neighbourhoods.NIA teams person dispersed crossed each 8 electoral districts, including Khagragarh, wherever a 2014 blast killed 2 alleged terrorists and wounded three. Their beingness underscores heightened vigilance successful areas with a past of extremist activity.