For 72 hours, no-go zone 200m from 7 counting centres in Kolkata

KOLKATA: The city has been placed under an unprecedented security lockdown ahead of the May 4 counting, with sweeping prohibitory orders and multi-layered deployment of forces across all strongroom locations following escalating tensions and allegations of breaches by rival political camps.

Acting on complaints from both Trinamool Congress and the BJP over alleged outsider interference, Kolkata Police imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS across all seven designated strongrooms in the city, extending similar measures to Bidhannagar. The orders, in force since Thursday evening, prohibit the assembly of five or more persons within a 200-metre radius of each strongroom and ban processions, demonstrations and the carrying of any weapons or potentially dangerous materials.



The directive, issued by commissioner Ajay Nand, is aimed at preventing any damage to the ballot papers and polled EVMs. By Saturday, enforcement intensified further, with even pedestrians and political workers barred from using pavements near the facilities. Only authorised election officials, on-duty police personnel and central forces are allowed in the periphery.

The clampdown follows a series of flashpoints that have heightened political friction. At Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra, guard rails have been raised to nearly 10 feet after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other Trinamool leaders alleged that a BJP agent had illegally entered the strongroom. District election officer (North) Smita Pandey has sought a detailed report from the police into the alleged breach.

Tensions peaked again early Saturday when eight ballot boxes arrived at the same facility around 4 am, triggering fresh allegations from Trinamool that the boxes were delayed and subsequently moved into a room lacking CCTV surveillance. The party circulated images and video footage to support its claims, intensifying the political standoff ahead of the results.

Earlier on Thursday night, Banerjee herself kept a three-hour vigil at the Sakhawat Memorial High School strongroom, prompting protests by BJP workers on Lord Sinha Road that continued until they were forcibly dispersed around midnight. Another confrontation between Trinamool and BJP supporters at Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra required intervention by central armed police forces, who physically separated the groups to avert violence.

In response, security has been significantly ramped up. Around 200 companies of central forces are currently deployed on strongroom duty across Bengal, while the Election Commission has confirmed that nearly 700 CAPF companies remain stationed statewide to ensure stability. Each strongroom in Kolkata is now guarded by a combination of city police, central forces, PCR units, radio flying squads and additional supervisory officers.

Joint police commissioner (Traffic) Rupesh Kumar said additional CAPF and armed police have been deployed under senior-level supervision. Entire stretches, including Lord Sinha Road, have been sealed and access is being strictly regulated through QR-coded passes issued by the Election Commission.

The poll panel has reiterated its zero-tolerance approach, urging immediate reporting of any unlawful activity and warning of strict action against violators. It has also activated a public helpline and email channel, assuring confidentiality for complainants. Officials have been directed to conduct frequent inspections, with district election officers required to visit strongrooms twice daily.
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