Kolkata, March 17 – Kolkata's new Police Commissioner, Ajay Kumar Nand, stated on Tuesday that there is no conflict between the West Bengal Police and personnel from the central forces following the announcement of state assembly elections last week.
He added that central forces personnel will provide indirect assistance during the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections.
This statement was made by Kolkata Police Commissioner Nand just a day after assuming office.
"Central forces are deployed in phases during elections. They provide indirect support. We also need to obtain clearance. There should be clear guidelines regarding the deployment of the Central Armed Police Force; if so, no conflict should arise," he said.
Kolkata Police Commissioner also dismissed allegations of a lack of coordination with central forces during the upcoming state elections, adding: "A look at the established procedures reveals that communication does take place. There are designated nodal officers, and specific timelines are in place."
He also affirmed that the upcoming state elections in West Bengal would be conducted in a free and impartial manner.
He noted that it is currently the singular focus – the primary objective – for both him and the Kolkata Police.
According to the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the Kolkata police are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people of the city during the state elections.
Since the announcement of the poll schedule, various complaints – including instances of political posters being torn down – have surfaced.
Kolkata Police commissioner Nand said that these matters would be thoroughly investigated.
"I will ensure that I do not fail in my role as a leader," he added.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Police Commissioner Nand said that the Kolkata Police are fully capable of handling situations of the kind that unfolded in front of West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja's residence in Girish Park on March 15 when a clash between workers of Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party had taken place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Kolkata.
Following the incident, allegations had surfaced that central forces were not summoned in a timely manner.
The Kolkata Police Commissioner dismissed these allegations, saying that no central forces personnel were in the vicinity at the time.
He also noted that there is currently a limited presence of central forces within the state.
An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
The Kolkata Police Commissioner said, "The Kolkata Police are adequately competent to handle situations of this nature. At that specific moment, no central forces were nearby. The entire incident unfolded within a very short timeframe. However, this does not imply that we are incapable of managing such situations."
"At present, there is not a significant presence of central forces within the state. We handle matters of law and order ourselves; we also oversee public meetings and processions."