EC Orders Crackdown in Bengal Ahead of Phase 2 Voting
EC Orders Crackdown in West Bengal ahead of phase 2 polling (Image X.com)
79 crude bombs, 3.37 kg gunpowder seized; EC directs arrests of bomb makers, NIA to probe cases
By NIRENDRA DEV
Kolkata, April 2026 — The Election Commission of India (EC) has ordered an immediate crackdown across West Bengal after the recovery of a large cache of crude bombs and explosive materials ahead of Phase 2 polling scheduled for April 29.
The seizure, which included 79 crude bomb-like objects and approximately 3.37 kg of gunpowder, was made at an abandoned house in South 24 Parganas district. According to West Bengal Police, additional materials such as 1.61 kg of sulphur, jute ropes, and 10 packets of roll caps were also recovered during the operation, carried out with the assistance of the Bomb Disposal Squad.
“During the operation, a significant cache of suspected explosive materials was recovered from an abandoned house near a burial ground. All materials have been seized as per prescribed procedure. Further investigation is underway,” the police said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, explosives were also recovered from the Majherhat area under the Uttar Kashipur police station limits, raising concerns over security ahead of the crucial polling phase.
Taking serious note of the developments, the EC on Sunday directed state police authorities to launch a special drive to identify and arrest those involved in manufacturing crude bombs. Officials said the directive comes just three days before the second and final phase of polling in the state.
An EC official confirmed that all cases related to the recovery of bombs would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for detailed investigation.
Senior police officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, and district Superintendents of Police, have been warned of strict action if explosives are found within their jurisdictions. The EC has also instructed that all such materials must be seized within the next 24 hours.
Ahead of the two-phase elections on April 23 and April 29, the EC had repeatedly stressed the need for violence-free polling. In line with this, an unprecedented deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has been made across the state.
Currently, around 2.4 lakh CAPF personnel are stationed in West Bengal, with approximately 500 companies—nearly 50,000 personnel—expected to remain deployed even after polling concludes to maintain law and order.
The intensified security measures underscore mounting concerns over electoral violence in the state, as authorities race to ensure a safe and peaceful voting process.
Follow The Raisina Hills on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn
About The Author
