LS polls: Tight security for Phase I in Bengal

TNN | Apr 17, 2014: KOLKATA: With KLO threat still looming large despite the arrest of its top operatives, the deployment of central forces have been more than doubled to 118 companies across the Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Coochbehar constituencies during the first phase of election in the state on Thursday.

In addition, 25,000 police personnel drawn from the Siliguri, Bidhannagar and Barrackpore commissionarate will keep a close watch on polling booths. This apart, there will be quick response teams and flying squads to tackle any untoward incidents.

The opposition though have already begun raising questions claiming the 23 odd central forces deployed in Coochbehar has not be used to begin area domination (marching through sensitive areas) - a must before an area goes to polls. While Japaiguri has received 22 companies of central forces and Alipurduar another 18. The rest of the paramilitary forces have been sent to Darjeeling constituency.

"The 13th batch of KLO trainees has been trained recently in a neighbouring state. The batch has several recruits from North Bengal. We are trying to ensure that none of them can pose a threat on Thursday," said a top official. Interestingly, several businessmen in the area have been advised by cops to "lie low". "During the interrogation of Malkan Singh and Tom Adhikari, we have come to know that the trainees have been taught to abduct businessmen," the official added.

According to intelligence sources, besides 7,443 booths, forces will be deployed at vital installations like the Mall in Darjeeling, Coochbehar Rajbari, Madan Mohan Temple and along the border. Besides the KLO, authorities are not ruling out a possible attack by the Indian Mujahideen.

Though the entire KLO top leadership including Malkan Singh, Tom Adhikari, Iqbal Siddiqui, Tarun Thapa and Manchlal Singh are behind bars, the outfit still has some of its strike force in tact including commander-in-chief Nityananda sarkar alias Jamai, secretary Lal Singh Deka and especially action squad chief Rahul alias Pawan.

Meanwhile, vehicles fitted with cameras for transmitting live images will patrol the area surrounding sensitive booths. As per the IT intervention christened "Live Monitoring of Sensitive Areas", roving cameras-mounted vans ferrying security personnel will keep a strict vigil and transmit the feed to the election commission offices in Kolkata as well as Delhi.

Though security arrangements have been top-notch, the opposition has raised questions over why central forces were not used for area domination march - a must before polls. Though meant mainly for the Junglemahal polls, a few are likely to be deputed in areas where the KLO is believed to have its presence.