Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Amidst the rising political heat surrounding the upcoming elections in the state, the police administration has taken significant steps to maintain law and order and restore public confidence. As part of a special 'Confidence Building Measures' (CBM) drive, a massive crackdown involving widespread arrests was conducted across the state over the past 36 hours. According to statistics compiled between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, the police have arrested a total of 1,543 miscreants from various parts of the state. Based on district-wise data provided by the Election Commission, East Bardhaman tops the list of arrests; a staggering 479 individuals were apprehended from this district alone. A sensational revelation is the inclusion of Naru Bhagat—a Trinamool Councilor from East Bardhaman—in this list; he faces serious allegations of having threatened the police force itself. North 24 Parganas ranks second on the list, with 319 arrests. Notably, following a flare-up of tensions in the Jagaddal area on Sunday night, four individuals—including a Trinamool Councilor—have been arrested on charges of attempting to murder a BJP candidate.
Ranking of Other Districts:
In terms of arrests, South 24 Parganas holds the third position (246 individuals). Additionally, 109 miscreants were taken into custody from North Kolkata, 49 from Hooghly, and 32 each from Nadia and Howrah. Senior police officials assert that these stringent measures were implemented specifically to prevent any untoward incidents during the polling period and to ensure peace prevails across the region.
However, these arrests have also sparked intense political and legal controversies. The Trinamool Congress had previously raised strong objections regarding a list of 'troublemakers' or potential disruptors compiled by the Election Commission prior to the commencement of the polls. When the matter reached the Calcutta High Court, the court issued a stay order on the Commission's list. Despite this, the police's extensive crackdown—and the subsequent arrest of elected representatives belonging to the ruling party—has further escalated political tensions within the state. The administration has clearly stated that this special operation aimed at maintaining peace will continue in the days to come.
