Kolkata, April 8: The Ministry of Home Affairs has informed the West Bengal government that, as per the directives of the Election Commission of India (ECI), 150 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), and armed police from other states will be deployed for both phases of the upcoming assembly elections in the state.
Previously, on March 20, the Election Commission announced that a total of 2,400 companies, including CAPF, IRB, and armed police from other states, would be deployed for both phases of the elections in West Bengal.
With the new directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the total number of forces deployed for the elections will now be 2,550. Of the additional 150 companies, 95 will be from CAPF, while the remaining 55 will come from IRB and armed police from other states.
Among the 85 CAPF companies, 32 will be from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 55 from the Border Security Force (BSF), six from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and two from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
The other provisions of the Election Commission’s previous order, issued on March 20, will remain unchanged. According to this order, after the conclusion of voting for the second phase on April 29, 200 companies of CAPF will remain deployed in the voting state until the counting of votes is completed, ensuring the security of electronic voting machines (EVMs), strong rooms, and counting centers.
Additionally, to maintain law and order and prevent post-election violence, 500 companies of CAPF will remain deployed until further notice. Violence had widely erupted after the 2021 assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The remaining 1,700 companies of CAPF, IRB, and state armed police will be withdrawn after the voting concludes on April 29. The coordination of the movement and deployment of CAPF will be managed by the CRPF.
Shalabh Mathur, Inspector General of CRPF (West Bengal Sector), has been appointed as the state force coordinator for the elections.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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