Kolkata: With brutal incidents of violence in poll-hit West Bengal making headline, the Election Commission on Saturday took steps to ensure that both pre and post poll violence do not occur again in the upcoming phases of polling in the state.
Voting for fourth, fifth and sixth phase of polling spread across 127 assembly constituencies in West Bengal is scheduled to be held on 25th, 30th April and 5th May respectively.
The Commission strongly reiterated that entire Election Machinery including police authorities shall curb violence at all cost and ensure free, fair and peaceful elections in all the polling stations and areas falling under Assembly Constituencies in upcoming phases.
Prior to the poll day, as part of vulnerability mitigation strategy, confidence building measures are being undertaken by large number of Central Police forces which includes visits to the identified vulnerable habitations, contacting vulnerable people and also preventive measures like seizure of arms and weapons, execution of non-bailable warrants, binding down of history sheeters, anti-social elements by applying relevant legal provisions to ensure fear free environment.
The Commission reiterated that each and every case of pre-poll, poll day and post-poll violence is being closely monitored and strict action would be taken against such perpetrators irrespective of their political affiliation.
The Commission has directed the State Election Machinery and police authorities to deal with all such matters timely and effectively.
The Commission has also directed to hold the concerned officials in the areas of poll related violence accountable and also take strict action against such officials if they show any negligence in taking necessary preventive measures or post occurrence legal action in such cases. (ANI)