West Bengal authorities imposed Section 144 near Sakhawat Memorial School in Bhabanipur to maintain law and order ahead of election results [1].

The prohibitory order restricts public assembly in a key area of Kolkata to prevent untoward incidents as the state prepares for the final tally of votes [1, 2].

Police and Election Commission officials implemented the measure to ensure stability leading up to the counting day on May 4, 2026 [3]. This restriction is part of a broader security strategy to protect the integrity of the electoral process in the region [1, 2].

Security forces have established a comprehensive grid to protect voting materials. A three-layer security system includes the deployment of 1,500 personnel [3]. Additionally, more than 200 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed to guard strong rooms [3].

Local support for these measures is significant, with 7,500 West Bengal Police personnel assisting in the security operations [3]. These forces are tasked with monitoring 294 strong rooms across the region [3].

Authorities have coordinated security arrangements across 77 counting centres [3]. The deployment aims to mitigate potential clashes or interference as the results are finalized, a critical step in the transition of power within the assembly.

“Section 144 was imposed to restrict assembly and maintain law and order.”

The imposition of Section 144 and the deployment of thousands of security personnel indicate a high-alert status by the West Bengal government. By securing 294 strong rooms and 77 counting centers with both state and central forces, authorities are attempting to preemptively neutralize the risk of civil unrest or disputes over the legitimacy of the vote tally on May 4.