West Bengal Government Deploys Senior IPS Officers to Manage Security in Bangladesh-Border Districts
Synopsis
With rising tensions expected after the release of electoral lists, West Bengal has designated four districts near Bangladesh as sensitive and appointed senior IPS officers to maintain peace. Discover their roles and the extensive security measures being implemented.
Key Takeaways
Four districts bordering Bangladesh have been declared sensitive.
Senior IPS officers have been appointed for law and order oversight.
CAPF forces will be deployed as part of the security arrangements.
Malda and Murshidabad are historically prone to tensions.
Security measures are in place even before polling dates are announced.
Kolkata, Feb 28 (NationPress) In anticipation of possible unrest following the release of the final electoral rolls categorized into three groups later today, the West Bengal administration has designated four districts along the Bangladesh border as particularly sensitive. Consequently, four senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers have been appointed to ensure law and order in these regions.
The districts identified as sensitive include Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, and Cooch Behar, all of which share an international boundary with Bangladesh. While Cooch Behar and Malda are located in North Bengal, Murshidabad and Nadia are situated in South Bengal. Notably, Malda and Murshidabad are predominantly inhabited by minorities and have experienced sporadic tensions previously.
As per official information, all four officers commenced their duties at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Ajay Nand, Additional Director General (Counter-Insurgency Force), has been assigned to oversee Malda. He will be supported by one officer each from the state’s Counter-Insurgency Force and the Malda District Police.
Sunil Kumar Yadav, Deputy Inspector General (Coastal Security), is in charge of Cooch Behar, with assistance from one officer each from the state’s Rapid Action Force and the Cooch Behar District Police.
Rashid Munir Khan, Deputy Inspector General (Headquarters), will be supervising security measures in Murshidabad, supported by two personnel from the Counter-Insurgency Force and one officer from the Murshidabad District Police.
In Nadia district, Inspector General (Traffic) Gourav Sharma will lead efforts, aided by two officers from the Nadia District Police.
Meanwhile, the first batch of 240 companies from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) has started arriving in West Bengal in phases since Friday, set to be deployed from March 1 as part of the first phase of security arrangements.
This initial deployment will consist of 110 companies from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 55 from the Border Security Force (BSF), 21 from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 27 from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and 27 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
In an unprecedented step, the CAPF deployment has begun even before the official announcement of polling dates and the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct.
A second batch of an additional 240 CAPF companies is expected to be deployed starting March 10, further bolstering security in the state.
Point of View
This strategic deployment of senior IPS officers highlights the state government's commitment to maintaining law and order in sensitive areas. Ensuring peace during this politically charged period is vital for the stability of West Bengal.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have these districts been marked as sensitive?
The districts have been identified as sensitive due to their proximity to the Bangladesh border and a history of communal tensions, particularly following the release of electoral lists.
What is the role of the appointed IPS officers?
The appointed officers will oversee law and order, ensure security during upcoming events, and coordinate with local police and special forces.
When will the CAPF forces be deployed?
The first batch of CAPF forces is set to be deployed from March 1, with a second batch arriving on March 10.
What measures are being taken to ensure security?
The deployment includes various units from the Central Armed Police Forces, each assigned to support the local police in maintaining peace.
How many officers are leading the security efforts?
Four senior IPS officers have been designated to lead security efforts in the identified districts.
