Kolkata Police Launches Dedicated Election Cell for Upcoming Assembly Elections
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, March 18 (NationPress) In preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections, the Kolkata Police are implementing crucial measures to enhance the city's security framework. Following an order issued by Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand on Wednesday, Additional Commissioner of Police (I) Devendra Prakash Singh has been appointed to oversee the newly established election cell of the Kolkata Police.
A senior police official stated that this assignment was made as part of a revised directive aimed at bolstering the city’s law and order situation as elections approach. The directive is to take effect immediately, marking a pivotal step in securing the city.
The notification confirms that a dedicated team has been established at Lalbazar to support Devendra Prakash Singh in his new role.
Members of this team include Kolkata Police Additional Commissioner (IV) Santosh Pandey, Joint Commissioner of Police (Organisation) Ajay Prasad, and Deputy Commissioner (Cyber) Abhishek Modi.
Also part of the team are Kolkata Police Second Battalion Deputy Commissioner Anirban Sarkar and Intelligence Department Special Branch Deputy Commissioner Vidit Raj Bhundesh.
As reported by police sources, this team will play a critical role in reinforcing the city's security measures leading up to the elections.
The primary objective of this initiative is to improve monitoring of unlawful activities, focusing particularly on cyber surveillance and intelligence operations. Operations have already begun across various departments within the Kolkata Police following the order issued on Wednesday.
Since the announcement of the election notification, significant changes have occurred within the administrative and leadership structure of the state police. Supratim Sarkar has been relieved from his position as Commissioner of Kolkata Police, with Ajay Kumar Nand appointed as his replacement. Additionally, 13 Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been reassigned across districts. Earlier in the day, the Election Commission also executed transfers involving five Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) from different zones.
The Assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled to take place in two phases next month—on April 23 and April 29—with results to be announced on May 4.