Centre extends CAPF stay in Bengal till June 20

Kolkata: The Union home ministry has extended the deployment of 500 companies of central armed forces (CAPF) in Bengal till June 20 to maintain law and order amid concerns over post-poll violence and tensions in sensitive areas.The Bengal govt, in a May 16 letter, had sought continuation of the central forces till end-Oct 2026. Acting on the request, the Centre approved deployment for another month, citing the need to maintain post-poll peace and security.According to officials, tensions escalated in some areas over enforcement of animal slaughter guidelines and sound restrictions on microphones, with incidents of attacks on police reported. A sections of the CAPF was also used during recent disturbances in Tiljala and Park Circus and for guarding Nabanna.The forces include 200 companies of CRPF, 150 of BSF and 50 each of CISF, ITBP and SSB.The Centre's communication to the Bengal chief secretary, home secretary and DGP also directed the state to provide transport, accomodation, logistics and operational support to the forces during their stay.