Tension-prone areas in various districts of West Bengal are under heavy security cover in anticipation of potential unrest during Ram Navami processions. Special security measures are in place in Kolkata-adjacent Hooghly district, Chandannagar, and Islampur in North Dinajpur district due to past incidents of violence during such processions, notably in 2025.
An emergency virtual meeting was held at the state secretariat, Nabanna, chaired by Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala, to address the security concerns. Multiple instructions have been issued to the police to maintain peace during the processions. Around 3,000 police officers will be deployed in different districts to ensure law and order.
In addition to the heightened security in Howrah, Chandannagar, and Islampur, special attention is being given to Kolkata. Approximately 1,000 police personnel will be stationed in the city to oversee the security arrangements for the Ram Navami processions. Cyber surveillance is also being conducted to prevent the spread of provocative content.
District authorities, including District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and Superintendents of Police, have been instructed to conduct surveillance until March 29 to prevent any potential unrest post the celebrations. Strict guidelines have been set for the processions, including designated routes, a limit of 500 participants per procession, and a ban on carrying weapons.
Furthermore, drone and CCTV surveillance will be in place during the processions, with police teams positioned both in front and behind each procession. Plain-clothed police officers will also be deployed to identify and monitor any troublemakers.
