West Bengal Counting: Three-Layer Security, 37 Companies Deployed in Birbhum Amid Tight Race

Authorities enforced a sweeping security lockdown across West Bengal on Monday as counting began for 294 assembly seats, deploying heavy forces and imposing strict access controls at counting centres amid expectations of a closely fought election.

In Birbhum district, one of the state’s key battlegrounds, at least 37 companies of security personnel have been deployed to maintain order, with officials implementing a three-layer security system at all counting locations.

Superintendent of Police Surya Pratap Yadav said only authorised individuals were being allowed inside after detailed verification and frisking. “A three-tier security arrangement is already in place at the counting centre, all our officers are on duty. People are being allowed inside only after checking,” he said, adding that three companies had been stationed at each centre.

The government-aided Saud Ramkrishna Silpa Vidyapith has been designated as the main counting centre in the district, where party workers and counting agents queued outside under tight screening protocols.

Similar arrangements were replicated across the state. In Kolkata, Additional Commissioner of Police Ashesh Biswas said authorities had implemented security measures in line with Election Commission of India guidelines, with reserve forces kept on standby to respond to any escalation.

In Siliguri, Police Commissioner Syed Waqar Raza expressed confidence that counting would proceed smoothly, citing strict entry checks and layered deployment at counting venues.

Despite the tight security, tensions surfaced early at some centres. A verbal altercation broke out between polling agents, with representatives of the All India Trinamool Congress alleging that they were barred from carrying files and pens inside, while Bharatiya Janata Party agents were permitted to do so. BJP representatives denied the allegation, instead accusing their counterparts of lacking valid identification and attempting to enter without proper credentials.

Security was further intensified around key strongrooms in Kolkata, including those in Bhabanipur and at Netaji Indoor Stadium, with barricades, vehicle checks and layered deployment in place.

The heightened precautions come as exit polls indicate a tight contest between the BJP and TMC, with smaller parties expected to play a limited role.

Separately, the Election Commission has ordered repolling in all booths of the Falta constituency following allegations of electoral malpractice, adding another layer of complexity to an already tense counting day.

(With inputs from ANI)