Election Commission Retains 70,000 Central Forces in West Bengal Ahead of Poll Results

Even before counting takes place, the Election Commission is preparing for the post-results scenario in West Bengal by retaining around 70,000 central forces personnel in the state for continued vigil, particularly in pockets with a history of post-poll violence, and initiating strict action against any attempts to target political rivals. As part of security arrangements to prevent a repeat of the 2021 post-poll violence — which, as per the then DGP's report sent to an NHRC inquiry committee, had seen 1,934 incidents including murder, sexual assault, arson and grievous hurt — control rooms are to be set up at the EC's headquarters, Nirvachan Sadan, and the office of the Bengal chief electoral officer to monitor the situation on counting day, May 4, and direct immediate action in case of any untoward incident. Forces still stationed in Bengal will keep strict vigil in vulnerable pockets that witnessed violence in 2021, and anyone found to be involved in any attempt at violence will face strict action as per law. As per the 2021 NHRC inquiry report, there was organised, widespread and targeted violence based on political affiliation across multiple districts in the months following counting. The 1,934 incidents of post-poll violence included murder (29), sexual assault (12), grievous hurt (391), arson/vandalism (940) and intimidation (562). Though 9,304 persons were accused, only 1,345 were arrested. The NHRC probe found that FIRs were not registered in 60% of complaints. In a recent PIL filed in the Supreme Court, a plea was made to direct the constitution of a high-level monitoring committee under a retired judge to oversee the functioning of law and order machinery in Bengal. It further sought that the state government be told to maintain law and order and take necessary steps, including deployment of adequate central forces personnel in vulnerable areas.