West Bengal elections: Lockdown in strongroom areas after TMC, BJP clash. india news
The prohibitory order issued by Police Commissioner Ajay Nand under Section 163 of the BNSS prohibits assembly of five or more people, procession and demonstration anywhere in the vicinity of the strongroom. The restrictions will remain in effect until the counting of votes ends on May 4.CM Mamata Banerjee’s three-hour vigil at the strongroom of Sakhawat Memorial High School in south Kolkata’s Bhawanipur late on Thursday brought a crowd of BJP protesters to Lord Sinha Road, forcing security personnel to forcibly remove them around midnight.The second flashpoint was Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in central Kolkata, where Central Armed Police Forces had to pull Trinamool and BJP workers away from each other to prevent a full-scale clash. Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rupesh Kumar said additional forces have been deployed at both the problem spots under the supervision of an Additional Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner of Police.All nearby roads were sealed, guardrails installed and access restricted to personnel carrying QR-coded IDs issued by the EC. Lord Sinha Road is completely closed for citizens.
EC: Any attempt to disturb peace will not be spared
The Election Commission issued a statement citing the Calcutta HC order to the civil and police administration to deal strictly with illegal activities. “Any attempt to disrupt peace will not go unpunished,” it said.700 companies of central forces have been deployed across the state to “maintain stability and prevent unrest”, the EC said. There are three layers of security at all counting centres, along with special patrolling in sensitive areas.Prohibitory orders have also been imposed around counting centers at Hastings House Complex, APC Polytechnic College, St. Thomas Boys High School, Ballygunge Government High School and David Hare Training College in Kolkata.After inspecting a counting center in Purulia, CEO Manoj Aggarwal said the security protocols for the counting day would prove to be “adequate” to ensure that the electoral process goes on without any disruptions.The EC has set up a helpline (18003450008) for complaints, ensuring confidentiality. Complaints, if any, can also be emailed to wbfreeandfairpolls@gmail.com.