Security personnel patrol Raiganj ahead of Bengal poll results
NEW DELHI: Even before counting of votes begins, the Election Commission is preparing for a post-election scenario in West Bengal, keeping around 70,000 central force personnel in the state to continue vigil, especially in areas with a history of post-poll violence, and to take strict action against any attempt to target political opponents.As part of the security arrangements to prevent a recurrence of the post-poll violence in 2021, which saw 1,934 incidents, including murder, sexual assault, arson and grievous injuries, according to a report sent by the then DGP to the National Human Rights Commission inquiry committee, control rooms will be set up at the Election Commission headquarters Nirvachan Sadan and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Bengal to monitor the situation on the counting day of May 4 and immediately direct action to be taken in case of any untoward incident.
Troops still stationed in Bangladesh will maintain strict vigilance in areas vulnerable to violence in 2021, and anyone found to be involved in any attempt at violence will be severely punished in accordance with the law.According to the 2021 National Human Rights Commission investigative report, organized, widespread and targeted violence based on political affiliations occurred in several regions in the months after the vote counting. The 1,934 incidents of post-poll violence included murder (29), sexual assault (12), serious injury (391), arson/vandalism (940) and intimidation (562). Although 9,304 people were charged, only 1,345 were arrested. The NHRC investigation found that no FIR was registered in 60 per cent of the complaints.In a recent PIL filed in the Supreme Court, a direction was sought to constitute a high-level monitoring committee headed by a retired judge to oversee the functioning of the law and order machinery in Bengal. It also asked the state government to maintain law and order and take necessary measures, including deployment of adequate central force personnel in vulnerable areas.
