Howrah, 22 March(H.S.): Security has been stepped up in West Bengal’s Howrah district ahead of Ram Navami and the upcoming Assembly elections, with Police Commissioner Akhilesh Chaturvedi saying additional forces will be deployed to prevent any law and order issues.

Chaturvedi on Sunday visited several police station areas under Howrah City Police and held meetings with officers, issuing instructions in line with the Election Commission’s guidelines. He stressed the need to ensure free, fair and fear-free elections.

He said police have been directed to prevent incidents such as booth jamming, rigging and any attempts to influence voters. A six-point guideline has been shared with officers to ensure peaceful polling, he added.

An Election Commission-appointed police observer also inspected police arrangements in different police station areas of Howrah to assess preparedness.

With Ram Navami scheduled next week, the police have taken additional precautions in view of past incidents of clashes during processions in the district. Chaturvedi said adequate security arrangements will be in place along procession routes to avoid any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court recently allowed a Ram Navami procession in Kazipara area of Howrah with certain conditions. As per the order, the procession on March 26 can have a maximum of 500 participants, with a ban on display of metallic weapons. However, symbolic weapons will be permitted.

The court has also fixed the timing of the procession between 3 pm and 6 pm on the day.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey