Kolkata, March 22 Senior police officials began visiting police stations across West Bengal starting Sunday, as the Election Commission intensified its monitoring of poll preparedness and security arrangements in the state heading towards elections.
During these visits, officers in charge of police stations are being briefed on the measures needed to ensure free and fair polling.
In line with directives from the poll panel, police commissioners and superintendents of police have started visiting police stations to review law and order arrangements ahead of the upcoming elections, an official from the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's office said.
"Senior officers have been instructed to conduct ground-level assessments and guide local police units to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process," he said.
Police authorities are also expected to send out a strong message on maintaining an environment free of fear and violence.
"The focus is on building confidence among voters and strict enforcement of measures to curb any attempt at malpractice, including booth capturing or intimidation," the official added.
Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly is scheduled for April 23 and 29, while the counting of votes will be held on May 4.