80 arrested; no bulldozers in victory rallies: Kolkata Police

Amid reports of sporadic incidents of violence following the West Bengal Assembly elections, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand on Wednesday warned that strict action would be taken against anyone trying to disturb law and order.

Stating that a special drive is underway to apprehend troublemakers, he said 80 people have been arrested so far within the Kolkata Police jurisdiction.

Nand said of the 80 arrested, 65 were taken into custody in specific cases, while 15 others were apprehended as a preventive measure.

“Anyone trying to create an environment of threat or terror will be acted against strictly,” the police commissioner said.

No one should indulge in any kind of violence or acts that disturb the law and order, Nand told a press conference at the police headquarters here.

“There have been a few incidents, but the situation is more or less peaceful,” he said, adding that a number of arms have also been recovered in raids.

Nand warned that rallies involving bulldozers, which were a focal point during the election campaign, would not be allowed in any victory procession.

“No rallies will be allowed with JCBs (bulldozers) or similar equipment,” he said.

The police chief said follow-up action will be taken against JCB owners if they rent their vehicles for such purposes.

He said the CAPF and Kolkata Police will jointly work to maintain law and order in the city in the post-poll scenario, as they did during the assembly election.

“We would like to have the contribution and help of each member of society,” he said.