Kolkata Police Mobilizes Massive Security for Ram Navami Rallies During Election Season
In a significant security operation, Kolkata Police is deploying more than 5,000 personnel and 50 senior officers across the city over the next 48 hours. This move comes as over 90 Ram Navami processions are scheduled during a politically sensitive period marked by the ongoing election season, officials confirmed. The administration has announced that security cover will be provided to a total of 138 Ram Navami rallies across Kolkata, Howrah, and adjoining areas.
High-Sensitivity Events and Key Areas Under Watch
Police authorities have indicated that most processions in Kolkata are expected to draw between 200 and 500 participants. However, six larger rallies are likely to attract more than 1,500 people each, and these are being treated as high-sensitivity events. Special attention is being given to rallies beginning after 4 pm and continuing until around 8 pm. Key areas under enhanced surveillance include Hastings, Bhukailash Road near Kidderpore, Entally, Picnic Garden, and the Chitpur-Cossipore belt. Additional commissioners and joint commissioners have been assigned to directly supervise these rallies to ensure order and safety.
Comprehensive Security Grid with Advanced Technology
Lalbazar, the headquarters of Kolkata Police, has ordered an extensive security grid that combines physical deployment with advanced technical surveillance. The plan involves the use of hundreds of CCTV cameras, including some hired specifically for the day, along procession routes. Drones, body-worn cameras, and rooftop surveillance teams will supplement ground monitoring efforts. Strategic points will be manned by pickets, bike patrols, Quick Response Teams, and HRFS striking forces to respond swiftly to any incidents.
Preventive Measures and Legal Compliance
Local police stations have been instructed to clear procession routes of parked vehicles, hawkers, and loose construction materials such as stones and bricks before the rallies commence. Field units are directed to remain on the road throughout the processions, act immediately against any hooliganism, and maintain close coordination with control rooms and community leaders. Police have also provided organizers with copies of a Calcutta High Court order from last year and directives from child rights bodies, which prohibit children from carrying offensive items during processions. Strict rules include a ban on weapons in rallies, legal action for unauthorized marches or route deviations, and monitoring of small lanes by bike patrols.
Election-Driven Security Enhancements
The security build-up is further intensified by the election schedule. Police sources report a sharp increase in the number of Flying Squad Teams and Static Surveillance Teams within Kolkata Police jurisdiction. From 76 each previously, the count has risen to 171 teams each, deployed across 19 assembly constituencies under the supervision of general and police observers. Flying Squad Teams are tasked with rushing to disturbance spots for surveillance, while Static Surveillance Teams man checkpoints to search suspicious vehicles and individuals. Initially composed of Kolkata Police personnel, these teams now include central force members as per Election Commission directives, with potential for night deployments if additional central forces arrive.
Howrah's Preparations and Past Lessons
In Howrah, the administration has also ramped up security preparations, influenced by memories of violence during a Ram Navami procession on GT Road in Shibpur two years ago. The main procession there is scheduled for Friday, March 27. Ahead of it, newly appointed Howrah Police Commissioner Akhilesh Chaturvedi conducted a route march through sensitive stretches of GT Road in Shibpur with central forces and senior officers. Sensitive areas have been reviewed in advance, with GT Road from Kazipara to Howrah Maidan divided into multiple zones overseen by DCP and ACP rank officers. Measures include barricades at alley entrances, over 400 CCTV cameras, armed police on rooftops, drone monitoring, and traffic closures from 7 am to 12 pm on the procession day, with Foreshore Road as an alternative route.
Strict Conditions and Community Coordination
Permission for the Howrah procession has been granted subject to Calcutta High Court conditions, including a cap of 500 participants, a ban on metal weapons, allowance only for symbolic weapons, and a strict timeframe of 3 pm to 6 pm. Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand has visited key police stations like Watgunge, Hastings, and Jorasanko to review arrangements and issue instructions. The alert level is expected to remain elevated until next Sunday, with continuous efforts to prevent flare-ups and ensure peaceful celebrations during this critical period.
