West Bengal phase 2 polls: Border curbs, NIA deployment intensify security

Security arrangements across West Bengal have been tightened ahead of the second phase of the Assembly elections, with authorities focusing on both border controls and internal monitoring to minimise risks on polling day. The second phase of polling in the state will be held on April 29.

Border curbs at key transit points

Officials have imposed temporary restrictions on cross-border movement through key transit points, including the Petrapole land port in the North 24 Parganas district along the India-Bangladesh border.

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The curbs, in place from the evening of April 26 until polling concludes, apply to both people and vehicles entering or leaving Indian territory. Officials describe the move as a precaution to shield the electoral process from outside influence in a region where porous borders have long posed enforcement challenges.

Limited exemptions to maintain essential flow

Petrapole, one of South Asia’s busiest land ports, typically handles between 700 and 1,000 trucks daily, carrying goods such as garments, food items and engineering products. That steady movement has now been curtailed, though exemptions have been allowed in specific cases.

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Medical emergencies, voters returning to cast their ballots, and the transport of perishable goods are still permitted, indicating an effort to maintain essential flows while tightening oversight.

Wider surveillance across districts

The restrictions are not limited to Petrapole. Smaller land customs stations in districts such as Nadia and Murshidabad are also under close watch. Officials remain cautious about possible gaps that could be exploited during the election period, particularly in constituencies where contests are expected to be close.

North 24 Parganas alone accounts for 33 seats in this phase, adding to the district’s strategic importance in the security grid.

Central agencies expand ground presence

Parallel to these measures, central agencies have stepped up their presence across the state. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has deployed multiple teams in districts including Purba Bardhaman, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Nadia, Howrah and Kolkata.

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Their expanded footprint follows recent recoveries of crude explosives and illegal arms, which have raised concerns about potential disruptions linked to localised networks.

Focus on rapid response capability

Officials said the deployment is intended to ensure a quick response to any situation that may arise around polling.

“The agency has intensified its presence as part of precautionary measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process. The NIA teams are stationed on the ground to enable swift response to any untoward situation that may arise before, during, or after polling,” they said, as quoted by ANI.

Explosives recovery raises alarm

The heightened alert comes after the agency took over a case involving the recovery of 79 crude bombs in South 24 Parganas. The explosives were found stored inside an abandoned structure and were tied with jute ropes, along with materials believed to be used in their preparation.

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Investigators are examining whether the cache is linked to a wider network, with the Ministry of Home Affairs directing a detailed probe under provisions of the NIA Act after assessing the seriousness of the case.

Heightened vigilance ahead of polling day

Officials have pointed to the risks posed by such stockpiles, both in terms of immediate danger and their possible use to create fear or disrupt voting. The timing of the recovery, just days before polling, has added urgency to the security response.

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The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections will cover 142 constituencies on April 29. The first phase recorded a notably high turnout, and authorities appear intent on ensuring that the next round proceeds without incident. Counting is scheduled for May 4, with security measures expected to remain in force until then.

(With agency inputs)