Deployment of 500 CAPF companies in West Bengal extended till June 20

Kolkata: The Union Home Ministry has decided to continue deploying 500 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in West Bengal till June 20 for post-poll law and order management based on a request from the West Bengal government, an official said Thursday.

In an official communication, the home ministry said the West Bengal government had sought continuation of the Central forces' deployment till the end of October for post-election duties.

"The request of the Government of West Bengal has been considered in this ministry," it said.

The communication addressed to the West Bengal chief secretary, home secretary and director general of police stated that 500 companies of CAPFs, comprising 200 of the CRPF, 150 of the BSF, and 50 each of the CISF, ITBP and SSB, would continue to remain deployed in the state till June 20.

A senior state government official said the forces are being retained primarily to assist police in maintaining law and order in sensitive areas following the Assembly election.

"The deployment is aimed at ensuring peace and preventing any untoward incidents in vulnerable areas. Coordination between the state police and CAPFs is continuing," the official said.

The Union Home Ministry has also asked the West Bengal government to ensure necessary logistics, accommodation and other operational arrangements for the central forces stationed across the state.

On May 16, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, during an administrative review meeting held at Diamond Harbour, requested the chief secretary and home secretary to seek an extension of the stay of CAPF personnel beyond the scheduled two-month period.

Incidentally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during one of his rallies for the just-concluded assembly polls in Bengal, had said that a total of 500 companies of CAPF would extend their stay in the state for 60 days after the election, primarily to keep a check on the post-poll violence.

The two-phase polling in Bengal got over on April 29, and the counting was held on May 4.