West Bengal Police will launch a massive statewide crackdown from Saturday following strict instructions from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who has directed law enforcement agencies to intensify operations against illegal arms, explosives, and organised violence. Senior police officials have already circulated detailed directives to every police station across the state, signalling one of the biggest coordinated enforcement drives in recent years.
The move comes just days after Adhikari held his first high-level meeting with top police and administrative officials after taking charge as Chief Minister. During the meeting, he reportedly asked officers to act decisively and without hesitation to restore law and order across the state.
According to police sources, all districts have now been instructed to carry out extensive search operations to recover illegal firearms, bombs, and ammunition. Daily reports must be submitted detailing raids conducted, weapons seized, and sensitive areas covered during the operations.
The administration is also seeking tighter monitoring of the overall security situation, especially in politically sensitive regions. Officials have been told to submit a comprehensive report to senior authorities within two weeks of the drive beginning, outlining the total number of weapons and explosives recovered across the state.
Police stations have additionally been directed to audit the arms and ammunition stored in their own malkhanas (evidence storage rooms). Officers must verify whether the physical stock matches official registers and submit a status report by May 15.
Sources said the government wants a complete assessment of weapons circulation, including both illegal arms networks and the condition of police inventories.
The crackdown will not be limited to arms recovery alone. Police have also been instructed to revisit reports related to violence that took place after the 2021 Assembly elections. Officials may reopen or reinvestigate cases wherever necessary, and a separate report on those cases has also been sought.
The new administration has simultaneously attempted to send a message of confidence to citizens and police personnel alike. State Women and Child Welfare Minister Agnimitra Paul recently said that people approaching police stations with complaints would no longer face refusal in filing FIRs.
“There will be no atmosphere of fear anymore. Officers should work fearlessly and independently,” she reportedly said, adding that old restrictions and intimidation tactics would no longer continue under the new administration.
Political observers believe the aggressive policing strategy is intended to project a strong law-and-order image early in the tenure of the new government.
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