West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 | Arrest troublemakers by tonight: CEO Manoj Agarwal on post-poll violence

Kolkata: In the backdrop of reports of post-poll violence following the second phase of voting in West Bengal, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Thursday directed officials to adopt a "zero tolerance" approach and ensure immediate action against those involved, an Election Commission source said.

Agarwal issued the directions during a virtual meeting with senior administrative officials, including district magistrates and superintendents of police, while reviewing the law and order situation.

"Those who created trouble after the polls must be arrested by tonight," Agarwal said, according to sources in the CEO's office.

Reports of political clashes emerged from several parts of Bengal, hours after the conclusion of the second phase of polling on Wednesday evening, prompting the commission to step up surveillance.

Sources said the CEO stressed that the administration must remain equally vigilant in the post-poll period, as it did during the polling process, and take immediate action in case of any unrest.

The CEO also reminded officials that the election process is still underway and emphasised the need to ensure there are no lapses in security arrangements during the counting of votes and the period thereafter.

Incidentally, the Election Commission has decided to retain around 700 companies of central forces in the state even after the polling phases, officials said.

Incidents of unrest were reported from areas such as Behala and Garia in Kolkata, as well as from various districts, soon after polling ended on Wednesday.