A joint operation by Kolkata Police, Paschim Medinipur Police, and central security forces conducted an overnight search at the Kalighat residence of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, sparking political controversy. Police stated the search was linked to a land-related case at Salboni police station, seeking an aide of Banerjee.
Plainclothes police removed a monitor and hard disks from Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kolkata, citing a routine removal of security equipment after his Z-plus security cover was withdrawn.
Kolkata Police visited TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's residence, removing security equipment. The visit follows notices from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation regarding alleged unauthorised construction, which Banerjee claims is political vendetta by the BJP.
Kolkata Police's official X handle has shifted its following to prominent BJP leaders like PM Modi and Amit Shah, unfollowing Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. This digital change follows the BJP's assembly election victory and coincides with the withdrawal of additional security from TMC offices and residences.
Kolkata Police has banned victory processions and public celebrations on May 4, the day of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 counting, to ensure public order. Processions will be permitted from May 5 onwards with prior permission.
Kolkata police have imposed strict prohibitory orders around EVM strongrooms following Trinamool's vote tampering claims and clashes with BJP workers. Security has been heightened with additional forces and sealed roads. The Election Commission vows to punish any disruption, emphasizing robust security at all counting centers statewide to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Kolkata Police have imposed prohibitory orders banning large gatherings in parts of the city's central business district for 60 days from May 3 to July 1, 2026. The ban covers areas under Bowbazar and Hare Street police stations and the Headquarters Traffic Guard zone. The action follows intelligence inputs about likely violent demonstrations during the May 4 assembly election vote counting, with TMC leaders having alleged lack of transparency at strongrooms housing EVMs.
Security arrangements for vote counting in Kolkata involve three-layer protection with 1,500 CAPF and Kolkata Police personnel guarding 22 strong rooms across 7 counting centres. Armed CAPF personnel will protect the innermost layer while Kolkata Police handles the two outer layers. Over 200 companies of CAPF have been requisitioned across the state for 294 strong rooms.
Election Commission Kolkata Police issued transfer orders for four inspectors across three police stations, with Gautam Das appointed officer in-charge of Kalighat PS and Subrata Pandey taking over Alipore PS. The EC also decided to deploy 11 additional police observers for phase II polls on April 29 covering 142 seats across multiple districts including South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Nadia, and Howrah.
Political clashes erupted outside Kolkata's Ekbalpur Police Station, leading to the arrest of nine individuals, including BJP and TMC members. The violence, fueled by counter-sloganeering during election campaigning, prompted police intervention and the registration of three FIRs. This incident heightens tensions as West Bengal gears up for crucial Assembly elections.
Enforcement Directorate raided the residence of Kolkata Police DCP (Special Branch) Shantanu Sinha Biswas and arrested businessman Joy Kamdar in a money laundering probe linked to alleged illegal land deals and extortion. ED claimed recovery of Rs 1.2 crore cash from Kamdar's Behala residence. The probe involves a syndicate led by history-sheeter Biswajit Podder. The action during Bengal poll season drew sharp reaction from CM Mamata Banerjee, who accused the agency of daily harassment.
