Amid molestation allegations against NIA officials, at least 10,000 troops will be deployed in West Bengal to maintain the law and order situation. In an order on Monday (April 8), 100 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces will be reaching West Bengal by April 15.
The communication mentions that companies deployed in tense areas like Manipur have been diverted to Bengal. Additionally, troops from Jharkhand will also be moved to the eastern state.
This time, the Election Commission of India has requested more than 900 companies (90,000 troops) for conducting the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, which is more than what is needed in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the communication, an additional 100 CAPF companies will be deployed, including 55 CRPF companies (including 25 companies from Manipur), through direct induction to reach on or before April 15 in the state for the general elections. Over two dozen companies have been relocated from Manipur to West Bengal. Additionally, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) will also be deployed in the state for poll duties.
Company commanders have been instructed to work out the deployment plan in consultation with state police authorities, and to approach them for necessary accommodation, transportation, logistics among other arrangements as per EC guidelines. Sources said the forces are facing accommodation issues in Bengal as more troops arrive, and the local administration is working hard to provide the necessary support.
CRPF struggling to manage troops
To meet the demands of troops for the Lok Sabha polls, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) – the world’s largest paramilitary force – is struggling to acquire numbers far beyond expectations. Even after mobilising all available resources, it is yet to provide a significant number of companies.
According to various internal communications reviewed by News18, the CRPF has suspended training sessions and also sought troops from sports teams. Similarly, they have asked that leaves should not be approved for specific troops unless in cases of acute emergency, as per top sources in the force.
A senior official said if necessary, the top brass is considering deploying its specialised units to polling stations, but a decision is yet to be made on this. “For the upcoming general elections, the CRPF has been asked to provide a large chunk of companies and the number of companies indicated far exceeds the expected numbers. All available options are being explored to meet the scale of companies earmarked for the CRPF,” a top official said while quoting a document.
Centre vs state
The TMC’s battle against central agencies is intensifying, with reports stating that the West Bengal police has registered an FIR on charges of molestation against NIA officials. The NIA, meanwhile, has moved the Calcutta High Court against the police action.
Sources said the police in East Midnapore have asked the NIA to provide details of their injuries, damage to vehicles, and other information, along with the sequence of events during the raids. Police said the FIR was filed on the complaint of family members of an accused, identified as TMC worker Manabroto Jana. The complaint said NIA officials allegedly molested women by breaking the doors of their houses late in the night, they added.
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