700 companies of para forces to remain in West Bengal: Election Commission cites 2021 poll violence

The EC said this was being done in the wake of poll-related violence during the 2021 Assembly elections in West Bengal, alleging that the state government had not taken adequate measures to prevent it during that time.

The panel’s directions have come just a day after CRPF Director General GP Singh had reiterated his earlier April 25 order that 500 companies of CAPFs would stay in West Bengal after the polling, till further orders.

On April 25, he had said in a post on X: “We remain committed to free, fair and transparent second phase of polling as well in the West Bengal Assembly Election, 2026.”

It has also been conveyed to all Force Commanders that 500 Companies of CAPF would remain stationed in West Bengal after the election process, till further orders.

On April 29, Singh posted on X that 500 companies of CAPFs shall continue to remain deployed in West Bengal till further orders for law and order duties post poll.

He also gave a break-up of companies of all CAPFs deployed in the state. According to the break up, out of 500 companies, 200 companies of CRPF will remain stationed in the state, followed by 150 companies of BSF. Apart from this, 50 companies each of the ITBP, CISF and SSB will also remain stationed in West Bengal.

On Thursday, EC sources pointed out that the heavy deployment had been kept in West Bengal to keep a close watch and ensure there was no post-poll violence.

CAPFs have been directed to maintain strict vigil around counting centres, and have also been asked to set up control rooms at EC headquarters in New Delhi and also at the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

Entry of unauthorised persons in counting centres will be prevented by issuing QR code based photo identity cards to election officials, candidates and counting agents, the EC sources said.

Justifying its decision for heavy deployment of CAPF personnel in West Bengal, EC sources further informed that after the 2021 assembly elections, there was organised, widespread and targetted violence based on political affiliation across multiple districts.

The EC alleged that complicity of the police and the persons in power in the violence which erupted after polling and declaration of the result in the 2021 assembly elections, was found.

The poll body further pointed out that enquiry committee of the National Human Rights Commission from DGP West Bengal had reported 1,934 incidents including that of murder (29), sexual assault (12), grievous hurt (391), arson/vandalism (940) and intimidation (562) during the 2021 Assembly poll. Though 9,304 persons were accused, only 1,345 of them were arrested.

A court appointed fact-finding committee report had reported 52 murders and 11 rape cases. The EC alleged that though 3,384 complaints were forwarded by the committee to the state government, there was no response in about 1,000 such complaints.

During spot visits by the enquiry committee, it was found that in 60 per cent of cases, FIRs were not registered, the EC alleged further.

The Calcutta High Court had at that time observed that civil or police administration is under the control of the Election Commission during the process of elections only to ensure free and fair elections, but that does not mean that the police should stop discharging its normal duties to control law and order. The court had also observed that the situation reflected breakdown of rule of law with indications of organised violence and systemic nexus.