Bengal CEO: 100-metre perimeter around booths would be designated as a ‘CAPF zone’

MP, Apr 27, 2026, Kolkata : The Election Commission of India has decided to further strengthen surveillance within a 100-metre radius of polling booths ahead of the second phase of elections on April 29.

CCTV cameras will be installed along approach roads leading to booths, particularly in Kolkata, in addition to the arrangement followed in the first phase, where one camera was placed inside and one outside each polling station.

State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, during a visit to Kakdwip on Sunday, said the 100-metre perimeter around booths would be designated as a “CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) zone”, restricting entry to authorised personnel only.

Even the delivery of food or water to polling staff inside booths will require prior approval from the concerned district electoral officer.

Agarwal held an all-party meeting at the SDO office in Kakdwip, South 24-Parganas, on Sunday morning, focusing on ensuring free and peaceful polls. Representatives from multiple political parties attended.

“We have spoken to candidates and heard their concerns. The polls will be free and fair. Bogus voting and intimidation will not be allowed,” Agarwal said, urging voters to turn out in large numbers.

He set a target of over 90 per cent polling, calling voting a constitutional right.

The CEO added that any attempt to obstruct voters would invite strict action, and CCTV footage from before, during and after any reported incident would be reviewed.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has issued a warning to Diamond Harbour Superintendent of Police Ishani Pal, holding her responsible for failing to exercise control over subordinate officers and ensure impartial policing during the election period.

The warning was issued after residents alleged that groups of youths on motorcycles roamed neighbourhoods late on Saturday night, issuing threats and attempting to influence voters ahead of polling on April 29.

Separately, a high-level meeting was chaired by the Commission in the presence of senior officials from the CEO’s office, DEO Kolkata North, DEO Kolkata South and DEO South 24-Parganas, along with concerned observers, to review law and order preparedness, coordination and security at Dhana Dhanya Auditorium.

Senior officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand, superintendents of police and officers-in-charge, were told that any lapse—be it recovery of explosives or voter intimidation—would invite stringent consequences.

The Commission directed that all incidents must be acted upon within 24 hours, with zero tolerance for delay or negligence.

Ajay Nand said narrow lanes and bylanes would be covered through motorbike patrols. As many as 160 motorcycle patrol units—each comprising 3–4 motorcycles and 7–8 personnel, including central forces—will be deployed on polling day.

“We are also exploring the installation of additional CCTV cameras in lanes and bylanes, and several such locations have already been identified. Drone surveillance is also being explored,” Nand said.

He added that police pickets would be set up in front of high-rise buildings to boost residents’ confidence.

The Commission reiterated its push for higher voter turnout, noting that urban areas typically record less than 80 per cent polling.

“We want to take it beyond 90 per cent this time. People should vote without fear,” an EC official said.