‘Execute warrants or submit report’: Lalbazar orders Kolkata Police to act on pending warrants ahead of polls

In a significant administrative move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Lalbazar has issued strict instructions to all police stations under Kolkata Police to take immediate action on pending arrest warrants, sources said. The directive makes it clear that officers must either execute the warrants without delay or submit a detailed report explaining the action taken so far, indicating increased scrutiny over law enforcement performance during the election period, according to sources.

Sources in Lalbazar revealed that a large number of warrants, including both bailable and non-bailable ones, remain unexecuted across multiple jurisdictions. Police stations have now been directed to prioritise these cases and act swiftly. They have also been asked to compile and submit a list of all cases where no action has been taken so far, suggesting a systematic review of enforcement gaps, sources added.

The move follows earlier instructions from the Election Commission, which had mandated strict compliance regarding non-bailable warrants, including a timeline of 10 days for executing arrests. Lalbazar has extended the scope by including bailable warrants as well, underlining the importance of clearing all pending legal actions to maintain law and order during the election period, sources said. The nature and seriousness of these warrants make their execution critical ahead of polling, sources emphasised.

At the same time, Lalbazar has reiterated the need for discipline and adherence to rules among police personnel. It has been observed that some officers have not been strictly following government norms, prompting a fresh warning to ensure full compliance, sources said. Police have also been instructed to maintain neutrality and professionalism during elections. The previously issued 15-point social media guideline introduced under former Commissioner Supratim Sarkar will continue to remain in force under current Commissioner Ajay Nanda, and personnel have been asked to strictly follow it, according to sources.

Sources further indicated that the Election Commission is closely monitoring the functioning of police personnel at all levels, from senior officials to ground staff. It has reiterated that during the election period, all government employees operate under its authority and can face action for non-compliance. Alongside executing warrants, police have also been directed to expedite the resolution of pending criminal cases from previous elections. Ensuring law and order and conducting free and fair elections has now become Lalbazar’s top priority, with further action likely based on the responsiveness of individual police stations, sources said.