Section 163 imposed within 200 metres of Kolkata strong rooms amid tightened counting security

Security around counting centres in Kolkata has been significantly tightened with the imposition of Section 163 within a 200-metre radius of all strong rooms under Kolkata Police jurisdiction. The restriction has been enforced to prevent gatherings, protests, or any law-and-order disturbances ahead of vote counting in the West Bengal Assembly election.

Under the order issued by Kolkata Police, no assembly of five or more people will be allowed within the restricted zone surrounding strong rooms. Rallies, meetings, demonstrations, or any form of public gathering have been completely prohibited, while carrying weapons, stones, bricks, firecrackers, or any potentially harmful materials has also been banned in the area.

The directive makes it clear that legal action will be taken against anyone violating the restrictions. However, exemptions have been granted to on-duty police personnel, Central Armed Police Forces, and government officials engaged in election-related duties, who will continue to have access to the secured zones.

Authorities have stated that the move is aimed at ensuring the safe storage of EVMs and ballot materials until counting is completed. The Election Commission has also introduced additional measures such as QR code-based identity checks and multi-layered security deployment to strengthen access control at counting centres across the state.