Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has directed strict action against those inciting violence and engaging in vandalism in West Bengal, amid concerns over post-poll law and order. The Election Commission instructed
the state’s Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Kolkata Police Commissioner, Directors General of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), as well as all District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, and field-level officers to maintain continuous patrolling. Authorities have stated that individuals involved in violence and vandalism will be arrested immediately.
Midnight Security Review
Following these directives, CNN-News18 has learnt that a high-level meeting was convened shortly after midnight on May 5. The Director General of West Bengal Police, along with the Directors General of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), held discussions with senior police officers at around 1 am.
Officials present in the meeting conveyed that there is concern at the highest levels of the government regarding incidents of post-poll violence. Instructions were issued to take all necessary measures to ensure zero tolerance for violence across the state.
Key Directives Issued
Authorities outlined a series of immediate actions to restore and maintain law and order:
- Violence must be stopped without delay under all circumstances.
- Incidents of arson, vandalism, forcible occupation, and damage to political offices must be prevented immediately.
- Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), including curfew where necessary, are to be imposed proactively.
- Joint control rooms involving West Bengal Police and CAPF will be established at district and state levels, with the state-level location to be finalised by the DGP.
- Strict and impartial action is to be taken against individuals involved in violence, irrespective of political affiliation.
- Non-lethal force is to be used where required, based on its effectiveness during polling phases.
- The use of bulldozers during political events or rallies is prohibited to prevent misuse for targeted demolition.
- Station House Officers (SHOs) and Officers-in-Charge (OCs) have been directed to gather intelligence on potential disturbances and act promptly.
- Communal tensions are to be addressed on priority, including immediate convening of peace committee meetings.
- SFC units will be integrated into West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police coordination groups for the next four days.
- Adequate vehicle support must be ensured for all deployed units to improve mobility and response.
- Civil police presence must be ensured alongside each CAPF mobile unit.
- At least three CAPF units will operate together as Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) to respond swiftly to any incidents.
Officials also stated that personnel demonstrating effective and impartial duty in maintaining peace will be formally recognised.
An investigation and monitoring mechanism remains in place as authorities intensify efforts to prevent further violence across West Bengal.
The state reported a surge in post-poll disturbances following the May 4 mandate, with 257 cases of violence and 433 arrests recorded across various districts and commissionerates. Enforcement intensity varied significantly by region; while Kolkata Police made the highest number of arrests (52), Purba Burdwan recorded the most individual cases at 26. Notable enforcement action was also observed in Birbhum, where 13 cases resulted in 45 arrests, contrasting with districts like Bankura and Darjeeling that reported incidents without any immediate apprehensions. Overall, the data reflects a pattern of concentrated police action amid broad regional unrest as the state transitions toward its first-ever BJP-led administration.
