Kolkata Police has implemented strict security measures in the city ahead of the upcoming second phase of Assembly elections on April 29. Lalbazar, the city police headquarters, has directed all hotels and lodges to be placed under surveillance, focusing on gathering detailed information about guests, including their origins, purpose of visit, and duration of stay.
Police Commissioner Ajay Nand has mandated every police station to closely monitor all accommodations within their jurisdictions, especially scrutinizing individuals arriving from outside areas before the elections. Hotel management has been instructed to verify the identity cards of all guests and share this data with the local police.
A senior official at Lalbazar highlighted the surge in outsider influx during elections, emphasizing the preventive nature of these measures to prevent any potential disturbances or unlawful activities. Police officers are actively engaging with hotel owners across various areas to communicate and enforce the new regulations, extending scrutiny to not just major hotels but also smaller lodges and budget accommodations.
Furthermore, night check-points, mobile patrols, and additional police presence have been reinforced at strategic locations, including heightened surveillance at transportation hubs and entry points into the city. IPS officers are directly overseeing night check-posts, with two officers assigned to each key location to ensure rigorous monitoring and eliminate any lapses in security.
