West Bengal cancels police leaves during festive season for enhanced security

As the festive season approaches in Bengal, beginning with Durga Puja on October 2 (Mahalaya), the state secretariat has taken a significant decision to ensure public safety. The government has announced the cancellation of leaves for police personnel across all police commissionerates, including the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police, to maintain heightened security during the festivals. 

A notification issued by the state secretariat states that no police officer will be granted leave between October 1 and November 8, except in emergency cases. This decision comes in light of the huge crowds expected on the streets during Durga Puja, Lakkhi Puja, Diwali, Jagadhatri Puja, and Chhath Puja. 

The festive season, which sees lakhs of people on the roads, poses a challenge for law enforcement to manage crowd control and ensure public safety. In response, the state government has preemptively issued instructions for maximum deployment of personnel, particularly in areas with higher footfall during the celebrations.

The decision to cancel leaves ensures that police personnel are fully prepared to manage the increased demands of crowd control, security, and public order during the upcoming festivals.