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Kolkata Police have arrested 80 individuals and deployed additional security.
A supporter dismantles an election billboard bearing a portrait of Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee after the party failed to secure a majority in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, in Kolkata, India, Monday, May 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)(AP)Amid the post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal after BJP's win, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda said on Wednesday that JCB machines cannot be used in processions and warned of legal action against owners who rent them out for such purposes, according to a report by Anandabazar Patrika.
Nanda also urged citizens to contact the police in case of trouble, adding that 65 companies of security personnel have been deployed across the city, the report stated.
This comes just hours after Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed authorities to enforce “zero tolerance” toward post-poll violence in the state and to swiftly arrest those involved in incidents of vandalism and clashes, with officials confirming that action was underway on Wednesday.
Two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.
What did the Kolkata Police Commissioner say?
Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda said that prior permission is mandatory for holding victory processions. He warned that if any attempt is made to create an atmosphere of violence or fear, the police will coordinate with central forces and take necessary action, Anandabazar Patrika reported.
Nanda noted, “We have arrested 80 people. Weapons have been recovered.”
The official also noted that the security arrangements have been reduced at the house of outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Earlier on Tuesday, police personnel were seen taking down guardrails near her residence at 30B Harish Chatterjee Street.
Another official said a broader review of security cover for leaders of the outgoing TMC government is underway, PTI reported. "We are reassessing security arrangements based on present requirements," he said, naming leaders such as Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas and Sujit Bose among those under review, PTI reported.
“Security deployment is periodically evaluated and adjusted in accordance with the prevailing situation,” he said.
The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4. BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the Trinamool Congress's uninterrupted 15-year rule.
(This is a developing story; check back later for updates)
(With inputs from agencies)
About the Author
Mausam Jha
Mausam Jha is a journalist who focuses on world affairs and politics. She provides clear, informative reporting with a good understanding of both global events and their local impact. <br><br> Her clear, accessible reporting on political and international issues makes her a trusted source of news and analysis. <br><br> For the past three years, Mausam has worked with Mint, covering national politics, IR—including elections—and global affairs.<br> Before joining her current role, she gained experience working with The Statesman, ANI, and Financial Express, where she honed her skills in political and international news. <br><br> She has consistently tracked key electoral battles, including US elections, Japan elections, policy debates, and strategic affairs, explaining how global currents, from great power competition to regional conflicts <br><br> Beyond journalism, Mausam has a deep engagement with international relations, diplomacy, war studies, terrorism, political history, and political theory. She is particularly interested in the intersection of statecraft and society on how governance, ideology, and institutions shape lived realities, and how politics shape today's world order. <br><br> An avid reader of classical literature and political thought, she constantly explores the connections between historical ideas and contemporary policy challenges.
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