EC plans bike patrol on poll days

Kolkata: In a bid to ensure a quick and fast response on polling day, the EC has decided to hire motorcycles for police and central police personnel. The decision has been taken to enable security forces to swiftly navigate narrow lanes on polling days."Riding on motorcycles will enable security personnel to access booths located in narrow lanes and remote pockets where four-wheelers cannot reach," a senior EC official said on Monday. While bikes were used selectively in previous elections, this time the system will be implemented across all districts. A few days earlier, in a meeting with Kolkata Police and Howrah Police, the EC directed them to arrange for an adequate number of motorcycles. The EC has also decided to grant the central forces increased operational autonomy. "CAPF commandants will be deployed alongside central forces in designated areas, and troops will act under their direct instructions. State police will assist the central forces but will not control their operations. In sensitive situations requiring strict action, decisions will be taken jointly by the police and commandants," the official stated.