‘No bulldozers allowed’: Bengal Police tighten rules for victory processions after post-poll violence

KOLKATA: No bulldozers will be allowed in any processions, both DGP SN Gupta and Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand asserted on Wednesday. "Even the owners of these payloaders have been warned against renting them out. If they do, they would face legal action," Nand said.

The commissioner stated that if any police officer was found to have "not acted enough" to stop any illegal demolition — in reference to New Market — despite being present at the spot, action will follow. He spoke to reporters a day after a Trinamool hawkers' union office was demolished — along with partial damage to an adjoining meat shop — at the entrance of Gate 13 of New Market.

Five persons have been arrested and three detained in the case. The cops have decided to seize the payloader. "From now, prior permission is required for holding victory processions. Any deviations will see legal action," Nand added.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday directed the authorities to arrest those involved in post-poll violence after two deaths and widespread vandalism raised concerns over the law-and-order situation. "Instructions have been issued to the chief secretary, DGP, commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all DMs, SPs and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas," an EC official said, quoting the CEC. "People responsible for inciting violence and vandalism must be arrested immediately."

The commissioner has also asked the citizens not to believe in fake news. "The law and order situation remains completely normal and is under constant monitoring. Strict legal action is being initiated against those responsible for circulating false information. Citizens are advised to rely only on official sources for verified updates," Nand said.

Following the briefing by Lalbazar, DGP SN Gupta also issued a stern warning regarding bulldozers. It was made clear that attempts to intimidate anyone with bulldozers will not be tolerated. The police stated that some individuals were trying to exploit the situation after the political change in the state. The process of identifying them has already begun.

According to DGP Gupta, no incidents were reported on Wednesday morning. He mentioned that post-election, leading to the arrest of 433 individuals. Additionally, around 1,100 have been detained.

Gupta also explained the withdrawal of additional security for Trinamool leader and outgoing chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday. He stated that they were receiving the security they were entitled to according to the rules. However, the additional security arrangements they had were withdrawn to be used for law-and-order purposes, Gupta explained.

Gupta urged the public not to take the law into their own hands. He addressed the general public, saying: "There may be complaints against someone. If there is a complaint, report it to the police. Do not take the law into your own hands." He also assured that if anyone is afraid to file an FIR at the police station, the police will file it on their own initiative.

(With inputs from New Delhi)