60% police deployed on election duty, rising snatching incidents in Siliguri raise security concerns

Siliguri, 25th April: A rise in theft and snatching incidents has been reported in Siliguri amid the ongoing Assembly elections, raising concerns over the city’s security arrangements. A significant portion of the Siliguri Metropolitan Police force has been deployed outside the city for election duty.

According to police sources, nearly 1,000 personnel have been sent to South Bengal, particularly the Sundarbans region, for the second phase of polling. The deployed force includes 315 sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors, along with 680 constables and RAF personnel.

As a result, police presence across police stations in Siliguri police has reduced considerably, with some stations reportedly operating with only four to five personnel on duty. The situation has intensified concerns as incidents of snatching and theft continue to increase in the city.

Police officials stated that around 60 percent of the force is currently engaged in election duty. Despite the shortage, efforts are being made to maintain law and order with the available resources.

It may be noted that the first phase of polling in North Bengal concluded peacefully, while the second phase is scheduled in South Bengal, for which extensive deployment of central forces and state police has been arranged.