Kolkata: On Friday, people returning home between 6 pm and 8 pm had to go through extensive nakas. The development came barely a day after CM Mamata Banerjee asked cops across the state to set up nakas throughout the day. Senior officers held meetings all day, fine-tuning the measures.
"The control room and headquarters unit will take the final call on when and where to set up nakas," said an officer.
Top cops at Kolkata Police claimed that setting up nakas in the evening was not new, saying the number of nakas had increased since last Friday, when an attempt was made to murder Kasba councillor Sushanta Ghosh. "We keep setting up nakas throughout the day. Nothing more needs to be read into this," said a jt commissioner.
"At all gateways and at all border points — whether at the state or between districts — there will be naka checks. I want cooperation from the public in this regard. Some get upset due to naka checks. But I will be happy if my car is checked. This will stop others from keeping unwanted items in my car. Naka checking is compulsory. This checking will not be only at night but also in the morning, noon and afternoon," the CM had said on Thursday.
The Bengal Police also joined the KP efforts, setting up nakas at all border points. The Bengal cops recovered 74 illegal firearms in the past three days and arrested 60 people in this regard. A large quantity of narcotics was also seized.
All nakas will need to follow SOP strictly and Lalbazar has asked its men to allow everyone with valid documents and ID cards and not crowd nakas with checks lasting for long durations without reason. Every check must be under CCTV cover.
The guard rails are to be put up in a scientific manner, and senior officers will have to oversee this job.