BNSS Section 163 Enforced Across Strong Rooms as TMC Alleges Irregularities in Bengal
In a major security measure ahead of election results, authorities have imposed Section 163 under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita outside key EVM strong rooms across Kolkata. The restriction, which limits public movement and assembly in sensitive areas, will remain in force until May 4.
The decision follows allegations by the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding suspicious activities at a strong room. Protests broke out outside the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra after claims that the facility was opened without prior notice and that unknown individuals were present.
Amid rising tensions, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the strong room at Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls’ High School late at night and spent nearly four hours there. She warned that any attempt to tamper with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or manipulate the counting process would not be tolerated.
The controversy intensified after a video shared by TMC on social media allegedly showed officials along with opposition party members attempting to access ballot storage areas.
However, the Election Commission of India dismissed the allegations, clarifying that the activity shown in the video was related to the sorting of postal ballots. The Commission reiterated that all EVMs are secure and under strict surveillance.
Security has been heightened at several strong room locations across the city, including educational institutions and government facilities where polling materials are stored.
With election results approaching, political tensions in West Bengal remain high, and authorities are maintaining strict vigilance to ensure a fair and transparent counting process.
