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Bengal turns fortress for phase-II poll: 2.3 lakh CAPF and 38,297 state cops in place
West Bengal's final phase of assembly polls is secured by an unprecedented security grid with extensive deployment of CAPF personnel, state police, observers, and NIA teams. A crackdown preceding polling led to hundreds of arrests and thousands of detentions, signaling a fear-free and fair vote. Central teams warned functionaries and intensified surveillance across sensitive zones.
Why It Matters
The scale of security deployment and proactive arrests indicate a high-stakes effort to ensure orderly voting and deter trouble, potentially impacting campaigning and voter participation.
Timeline
9 Events
On-ground patrol in Kolkata ahead of polling
April 28, 2026
An armoured vehicle and CAPF personnel on patrol in Kolkata Tuesday, reflecting the heightened security presence as polling approaches.
NIA teams deployed across districts, including Khagragarh
April 28, 2026
NIA teams have spread across all eight electoral districts, including Khagragarh, where a 2014 blast killed two alleged terrorists and wounded three.
Booths classified as critical for security planning
April 28, 2026
Nearly 12,000 booths have been classified as critical out of 41,001.
Substantial presence in East Burdwan and Hooghly Rural
April 28, 2026
East Burdwan (263 companies) and Hooghly Rural (236) drew heavy security presence reflecting past flashpoints and risk assessments.
Kolkata deployment details: high-security matrix
April 28, 2026
In Kolkata, 274 companies of central forces (about 22,500 personnel) backed by 7,250 city police will secure 5,172 booths across 1,961 premises, the highest deployment recorded in the city.
Security grid across constituencies: large-scale deployment planned
April 28, 2026
Security planning spans 142 constituencies in seven districts with over 2.3 lakh CAPF personnel, 38,297 state police, 142 general observers, 95 police observers, 100 expenditure observers, and NIA teams fanning out across sensitive zones.
Central teams visit sensitive zones to warn functionaries
April 28, 2026
Central teams visited sensitive zones warning local political functionaries to stay within law or face consequences.
72 hours before polling: hundreds jailed and warrants issued
April 28, 2026
In a 72-hour window, 2,348 alleged troublemakers were jailed under EC directives, including TMC councillors in Panihati and Burdwan. Another 653 non-bailable warrants were issued.
Crackdown ahead of polling: 800+ arrests Monday night
April 27, 2026
More than 800 arrests were made Monday night alone, adding to the surge in preventive detentions ahead of the final phase polling.