CM Mamata orders increased patrolling in sensitive border areas; Hits Centre over flood relief bias | Watch

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday directed state police to maintain strict vigilance against identity card fraud and unauthorized entry of outsiders, especially in international border villages. She stressed the importance of alertness due to concerns about possible infiltration by terrorists from across the border. Banerjee said police must remain vigilant “under all circumstances” to prevent terrorists from finding refuge in the state.

Addressing an administrative review meeting in Siliguri, the Chief Minister reported multiple cases of outsiders collecting Aadhaar and voter identity card details from local residents without authorization. She noted that this fraudulent activity had affected several individuals affiliated with her political party. “People from outside are coming in without any checks and are collecting information of local people’s Aadhaar and voter identity cards,” she said, instructing police to prevent such incidents.

Mamata Banerjee highlighted incidents in districts including Jhargram, Malda, Cooch Behar, and Diamond Harbour where antisocial elements allegedly obtained identity documents from locals through deception. She noted that police have already taken action in these cases but urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid handing over personal documents to unknown individuals without verifying their identity.

The Chief Minister ordered increased police patrolling in sensitive and border areas to boost public confidence and ensure security. She warned police stations in border villages against complacency, emphasizing that the presence of the Border Security Force (BSF) should not lead to laxity in local policing. Banerjee also instructed police to engage local community clubs in surveillance activities to enhance grassroots vigilance.

In addition, Mamata Banerjee accused the central government of discrimination in flood relief efforts. She stated that floods in South Bengal result from rainfall in Jharkhand, and in North Bengal due to rainfall in Sikkim and water released from Bhutan’s barrages. She claimed that while Assam receives relief funds for flood damages, West Bengal is excluded from such assistance.