CRPF carries out route march in Bhabanipur ahead of second phase Bengal elections Kolkata: West Bengal’s final phase of assembly polls unfolds under a security grid rarely seen in Indian elections, stretching across 142 constituencies in seven districts. Numbers define the scale – over 2.3 lakh Central Armed Police Forces personnel, 38,297 state police, 142 general observers, 95 police observers, 100 expenditure observers, and NIA teams have fanned out across sensitive zones.A sweeping crackdown preceded Wednesday’s polling – an election day framed by overwhelming force, close surveillance and a clear message: polling must remain fear-free and fair.More than 800 arrests were made Monday night alone, adding to the surge in preventive detentions. Central teams also visited sensitive zones, warning local political functionaries to stay within law or face consequences.In 72 hours, 2,348 alleged troublemakers have been jailed under EC directives, including TMC councillors in Panihati and Burdwan. Another 653 non-bailable warrants were issued. “EC has asked police to ensure no trouble-mongers are outside by dawn,” a source said.Kolkata stands at the centre of deployment. As many as 274 companies of central forces – 22,500 personnel – backed by 7,250 city police will secure 5,172 booths across 1,961 premises, the highest deployment recorded in the city. East Burdwan (263 companies) and Hooghly Rural (236) also drew a heavy presence, reflecting past flashpoints and risk assessments.Nearly 12,000 booths have been classified as critical out of 41,001. Additional CAPF quick-reaction teams will cover Bhangar, Canning, Falta and Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas, and Nadanghat and Ketugram in East Burdwan. Security planning has been calibrated constituency-wise, focusing on vulnerable pockets and interior neighbourhoods.NIA teams have spread across all eight electoral districts, including Khagragarh, where a 2014 blast killed two alleged terrorists and wounded three. Their presence underscores heightened vigilance in areas with a history of extremist activity.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBengal Phase 2 Polls: 142 Constituencies Vote Today, Over 3.21 Crore Voters to DecideChokepoints of Power: how India can ‘trump’ China on the seasSwati Maliwal’s Explosive Exit: Assault Allegations, ‘Betrayal’ Charges Rock AAP As She Joins BJPIndian Aviation Sector Warns Of Possible Shutdown Amid Soaring Fuel CostsUNGA Chief Hails India’s Global Role, Calls India’s Leadership Central To MultilateralismIndia To Receive Fourth Unit Of S-400 Missile Systems From Russia, To Be Deployed In RajasthanISRO-s Big Shift- Civilians To Join Gaganyaan Missions – India-s Space Programme Expands”Online Radicalisation Led To…” Maharashtra CM On ISIS-Inspired AttackIndia’s Defence Spending Hits $92 Bn, Becomes World’s 5th Largest Amid Global Military SurgeIs Rafale deal with France stuck? Will India’s demand for access scuttle fighter deal?123PhotostoriesFrom tasting success and popularity after playing Samar to being ousted overnight from Anupamaa: Paras Kalnawat on his journeyKate Middleton dips into Princess Diana’s 1995 Germany look with sapphire earrings from the royal jewellery archivesAhead of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ buzz around the threequel adds to fans’ anticipation – here’s what we knowWhy BTS K-pop star Jungkook’s basic bodyweight routine may be more effective than your gym plan5 longest train journeys in the world: Did you know India has one?5 simple brain exercises that can boost memory without apps or toolsDeepika Padukone’s maternity-style playbook starts with a denim-on-denim look, proving she doesn’t do boringStep inside cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ₹5.38 crore stylish Mumbai residence5 Bhagavad Gita parenting lessons every parent should teach their childIndoor plants that can keep your home cool during summer123Hot PicksAmit ShahMamata BanerjeeBengal Women VotersPM Rally GunfireAssembly Election 2026Bengal Oath CeremonyTrinamool CongressTop TrendingSaeed Sheikh AfridiTamil Nadu electionPM modiSalim DolaAssam HS 12th ResultManish SisodiaMumbai Watermelon Poisoning newsBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap
Kolkata: West Bengal’s final phase of assembly polls unfolds under a security grid rarely seen in Indian elections, stretching across 142 constituencies in seven districts. Numbers define the scale – over 2.3 lakh Central Armed Police Forces personnel, 38,297 state police, 142 general observers, 95 police observers, 100 expenditure observers, and NIA teams have fanned out across sensitive zones.A sweeping crackdown preceded Wednesday’s polling – an election day framed by overwhelming force, close surveillance and a clear message: polling must remain fear-free and fair.More than 800 arrests were made Monday night alone, adding to the surge in preventive detentions. Central teams also visited sensitive zones, warning local political functionaries to stay within law or face consequences.In 72 hours, 2,348 alleged troublemakers have been jailed under EC directives, including TMC councillors in Panihati and Burdwan. Another 653 non-bailable warrants were issued. “EC has asked police to ensure no trouble-mongers are outside by dawn,” a source said.Kolkata stands at the centre of deployment. As many as 274 companies of central forces – 22,500 personnel – backed by 7,250 city police will secure 5,172 booths across 1,961 premises, the highest deployment recorded in the city. East Burdwan (263 companies) and Hooghly Rural (236) also drew a heavy presence, reflecting past flashpoints and risk assessments.Nearly 12,000 booths have been classified as critical out of 41,001. Additional CAPF quick-reaction teams will cover Bhangar, Canning, Falta and Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas, and Nadanghat and Ketugram in East Burdwan. Security planning has been calibrated constituency-wise, focusing on vulnerable pockets and interior neighbourhoods.NIA teams have spread across all eight electoral districts, including Khagragarh, where a 2014 blast killed two alleged terrorists and wounded three. Their presence underscores heightened vigilance in areas with a history of extremist activity.
