Kolkata

The Union Home Ministry has extended the deployment of 500 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in West Bengal till June 20 for post-poll law and order management, following a request from the state government.

According to an official communication, the Ministry of Home Affairs considered the West Bengal government’s request seeking continuation of central force deployment beyond the Assembly elections.

The communication sent to the state’s chief secretary, home secretary and director general of police stated that the 500 CAPF companies would continue in the state till June 20.

The deployed forces include 200 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force, 150 of the Border Security Force, and 50 companies each from the Central Industrial Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Sashastra Seema Bal.

A senior state government official said the deployment is aimed at helping police maintain peace in sensitive areas following the Assembly elections and prevent any untoward incidents.

The Home Ministry has also directed the West Bengal government to ensure logistics, accommodation and operational support for the deployed forces.

On May 16, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had requested state officials during an administrative review meeting at Diamond Harbour to seek an extension of CAPF deployment beyond the initially scheduled two-month period.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced during an election rally that 500 CAPF companies would remain in the state for 60 days after the polls to monitor and prevent post-poll violence.

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Polling for the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections concluded on April 29, while counting of votes took place on May 4.