Kolkata, April 9 Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand on Thursday directed senior officers to maintain strict vigilance and conduct night patrols from 10 pm to 2 am in preparation for the upcoming assembly elections.
In a meeting with senior officers, including joint commissioners and deputy commissioners, Nand instructed them to conduct area inspections during the night and closely supervise election-related incidents.
"Senior officers must be present during pickets and monitoring operations, and coordinate with central forces when required," he said.
Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases - on April 23 and April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4. Kolkata is scheduled to vote in the second phase on April 29.
The police are now operating under the Election Commission.
The force aims to maintain a peaceful environment and ensure that voters exercise their franchise freely, without fear or inducement, a senior officer said.
"Any attempt to intimidate voters or create disturbances at the polling stations will be dealt with firmly under the law," he said.
This directive comes after recent incidents of unrest in Kolkata, including those during the filing of nomination by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also expressed dissatisfaction over police arrangements during her recent padyatra, alleging lapses in security.