7,500 cops to be deployed for 138 Ram Navami rallies across Kolkata, Howrah
Times of India | 26 March 2026
Kolkata: Kolkata Police will deploy more than 5,000 personnel and 50 senior officers across the city over the next 48 hours as more than 90 Ram Navami processions are scheduled during a politically sensitive period marked by the election season, officials said. Across Kolkata, Howrah and adjoining areas, the administration said security cover will be provided to 138 Ram Navami rallies.
Police said most processions in Kolkata are expected to draw between 200 and 500 participants, while six larger rallies are likely to attract more than 1,500 people each. Senior officers said the force is treating the larger rallies as high-sensitivity events, particularly those beginning after 4 pm and expected to continue until around 8 pm.
Among the areas under special watch are Hastings, Bhukailash Road near Kidderpore, Entally, Picnic Garden and the Chitpur-Cossipore belt. Additional commissioners and joint commissioners have been assigned to supervise these rallies directly.
Lalbazar has ordered an extensive security grid combining physical deployment and technical surveillance. Police said hundreds of CCTV cameras, including some hired for the day, will be used along procession routes. Drones, body-worn cameras and rooftop surveillance teams will supplement ground monitoring. Pickets, bike patrols, Quick Response Teams and HRFS striking forces will be stationed at strategic points.
The alert level is expected to remain in place until next Sunday. Local police stations have been instructed to clear procession routes of parked vehicles, hawkers and loose construction material, including stones and bricks, before the rallies begin.
A senior officer said field units have been directed to remain on the road throughout the processions, act immediately against any hooliganism, maintain close coordination with control rooms and stay in constant touch with organisers and community leaders. Police have also handed organisers copies of a Calcutta High Court order issued last year and directions from child rights bodies barring children from carrying offensive items during processions.
Police said no weapons will be allowed in the rallies and legal action will be taken against any group that marches without permission, deviates from an approved route or includes motorcycles in the procession. Small lanes and feeder roads will be monitored by bike patrols, while larger rallies will be watched in real time through a live screening system at Lalbazar.
To prevent flare-ups, all police stations have been told to deploy central forces where necessary and ensure pickets are placed along procession routes. Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand visited Watgunge, Hastings and Jorasanko police stations to review arrangements and issue instructions.
The security build-up is also being shaped by the election schedule. Police sources said the number of Flying Squad Teams and Static Surveillance Teams in the Kolkata Police area has been sharply increased. From 76 Flying Squad Teams and 76 Static Surveillance Teams earlier, the number has now risen to 171 each. The teams have been deployed across the 19 assembly constituencies under Kolkata Police jurisdiction under the supervision of general and police observers.
Officials said Flying Squad Teams have been asked to rush to any spot where disturbances are reported and conduct surveillance, while Static Surveillance Teams are manning checkpoints to search suspicious vehicles and individuals. These teams initially consisted of Kolkata Police personnel, but central force members were later added in line with Election Commission directives. Sources said the teams are active round the clock, though central force personnel are not currently deployed at night. That could change if 30 additional companies of central forces arrive in the city this week.
In Howrah, the administration has also stepped up preparations, with memories of violence during a Ram Navami procession on GT Road in Shibpur two years ago shaping this year's response. The main procession there is scheduled for Friday, March 27. Ahead of it, newly appointed Howrah Police commissioner Akhilesh Chaturvedi conducted a route march through sensitive stretches of GT Road in Shibpur with central forces and senior officers.
Chaturvedi said sensitive areas had been reviewed in advance and adequate arrangements were being made to prevent unrest. Police sources said GT Road from Kazipara to Howrah Maidan will be divided into multiple zones, each overseen by officers of DCP and ACP rank. Barricades will be placed at alley entrances, more than 400 CCTV cameras will be used, armed police will be posted on rooftops and drones will monitor the route. Traffic on the stretch will remain closed from 7 am to 12 pm on the day of the procession, with Foreshore Road serving as the alternative route.
Permission for the Howrah procession has been granted subject to Calcutta High Court conditions. Officials said participation has been capped at 500 people, all metal weapons are banned, only symbolic weapons will be allowed and the procession must be held between 3 pm and 6 pm.