150 companies of central forces to arrive in Bengal in first week of March
The Hindu
150 companies of central forces to reach West Bengal for Lok Sabha polls, deployed in phases across the state.
Around 150 companies of central forces are likely to reach West Bengal in the first week of March primarily to conduct route marches ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, a senior official of the Election Commission said on Wednesday.
These security personnel will be deployed in two phases in all parts of the State by March 7, he added.
"In the first phase, 100 companies of central forces are coming to the State by March 1 and another 50 companies will reach the State by March 7," the official told PTI.
More forces will arrive after the dates of the polls are announced, he added.
In the first phase, three companies will be posted in Darjeeling, and another two companies in the second phase, he said.
In the two phases, two companies each will be deployed in Siliguri, Kalimpong, the official said, adding that five companies will be deployed in Cooch Behar, four companies each in Jalpaiguri, Raiganj Police District, Dakshin Dinajpur, Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum districts.
"There will be three companies each in Alipurduar, and Islampur Police District. During the panchayat election, we witnessed widespread violence in both Malda and Murshidabad districts. Keeping that in mind, it has been decided to deploy seven companies in Malda and eight companies in Murshidabad," he added.
At PV Cherian Crescent Road, which derives its quietude in no small measure from the trees lining it, the axe struck twice last week, the first time on December 7, reducing one massive tree to a stump. According to a resident who wants to stay anonymous, when the workers were questioned about it, pat came the reply that the Corporation had ordered the hand that wielded the axe. With that explanation, residents who were disturbed by the cutting of the tree assumed there should be a justification for the act and let the matter rest. On December 12, the axe struck again, the Avenue’s arboreal wealth down by one more tree.
The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on December 14, 2025.
A few simple cell traits in mangroves are critical to tolerating them saltwater.
Madras HC emphasizes ongoing 'honour' killings in India, dismissing bail for accused father amid constitutional rights violations.
Raj Thackeray criticizes CM Fadnavis for rising child abductions in Maharashtra, urging action against gangs targeting young children.
Tamil Nadu parties strategize for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, with DMK targeting 2.5 crore votes amid shifting alliances.
Join Mukti's musical evening, 'Udaan Utsav', to support persons with disabilities and raise funds for vital medical aid.
Karnataka's transmen cricket team gears up for its historic national debut against Maharashtra on December 15 in Punjab.
BJP-led NDA secures 21 seats in Thripunithura, dislodging UDF and challenging LDF's long-standing dominance in the municipality.
Minister Kondapalli Srinivas praises Andhra Pradesh's industrial policy at Business Expo 2025, highlighting opportunities in agriculture and innovation.
Nine months into the ‘Shishtachar’ (discipline/etiquette) drive, Delhi Police officers say the squads have offered more than an on-ground deterrence against harassment of women in public spaces. The steady presence of these teams on the streets, the officers claim, has revealed patterns of everyday misconduct, helped map pockets where offenders gather, enhanced visibility among women, and strengthened the feedback loop, which in turn has improved policing of such offences. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer Delhi) Sachin Sharma said the squads have detained 2,885 offenders over the past nine months and recorded a 45% decline in crimes against women, including cases of rape, molestation and harassment. “Overall, such cases have fallen sharply from 302 in 2024 to 165 in 2025 (till December 10),” he said. DCP (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar reported similar numbers. “In nine months, we have detained over 2,500 offenders under various sections. The help and perspective we have received through the initiative has improved our approach. We have decided to introduce these squads to each police station in our district,” he said.
Education Minister Ashish Sood criticizes AAP's education reforms, citing data on 3.2 lakh Class 9 student failures in Delhi.
T.N. government seeks Centre's approval for six new medical colleges in newly formed districts, Health Minister confirms ongoing discussions.