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Kolkata, May 2:

Kolkata Police have imposed prohibitory orders barring the assembly of more than five persons within a 200-metre radius of all counting centres under its jurisdiction from Friday, keeping in mind the counting of votes on May 4 for the crucial and recently concluded two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal.

“The prohibitory order has been issued to avoid tension, gatherings, protests or any unpleasant incidents before the counting. The decision has been taken as per the direction of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Strong legal action will be taken against those found violating the prohibitory orders,” an officer said.

Besides prohibiting the assembly of more than five persons in the prescribed areas around the counting centres, the city police have also barred carrying certain items not approved by the ECI within the same zones. Meanwhile, after an evening-long drama in front of two EVM strong-room venues in Kolkata on Thursday, security arrangements at both locations — one at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in central Kolkata and the other at Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls’ School on Lord Sinha Road in south Kolkata — have been strengthened further from Friday morning.