Source The telegraph India
KOLKATA — As the city gears up for the decisive May 4 vote count, Kolkata has been transformed into a high-security zone. The Election Commission, in coordination with state police and central paramilitary forces, has implemented a “triple-layer” security blanket around all strongrooms and counting centers to ensure an airtight process.
The atmosphere across the city is one of guarded anticipation. What were once standard government buildings and educational institutions have been reimagined as “security fortresses,” designed to withstand any potential disruption and maintain the integrity of the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
The Three Layers of Protection
To prevent unauthorized access and ensure transparency, the security apparatus has been divided into three distinct perimeters:
The Inner Core: The immediate vicinity of the strongrooms is guarded exclusively by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). No person, including election officials, can enter this zone without valid authorization and a thorough physical search.
The Middle Perimeter: This layer is managed by state armed police. They are responsible for monitoring the corridors and entry points leading to the inner sanctum, ensuring that only those with “Counting Agent” passes or official duty orders proceed.
The Outer Buffer: Local police have established a wide cordon around the entire facility. Traffic has been diverted, and Section 144 (prohibiting unlawful assembly) is being strictly enforced in the surrounding streets to prevent crowds from gathering.
High-Tech Surveillance and Transparency
Beyond the physical presence of boots on the ground, technology is playing a pivotal role in this year’s security strategy.
“We are leaving nothing to chance,” a senior election official stated. “Every inch of the counting center is under 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and the feed is being monitored by both security experts and representatives from the political parties.”
Political candidates and their designated agents have been provided with viewing stations where they can monitor the live feed of the strongroom doors, ensuring that the seals remain intact until the official start of the count tomorrow morning.
A City on Standby
While the focus remains on the counting centers, the rest of Kolkata is also under increased vigilance. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) are stationed at strategic intersections, and patrols have been intensified in areas historically prone to post-poll friction.
As the sun sets on May 3, the city holds its breath. Behind the barricades and the barbed wire, the machinery of democracy is set to turn, with the “triple-security” fortresses standing as the final guardians of the people’s mandate.
