The result day started with strict vigil by law agencies at counting centres in Calcutta to ensure that all Covid protocols were followed. But it ended with non-compliance as thousands of Trinamul supporters stepped out to celebrate their party’s victory, in violation of Covid norms.

People were seen dancing on roads, smearing one another with colours and playing football, many of them without masks.

Police tried to disperse the crowd by making announcements through loudhailers but could do little to enforce the restrictions imposed by the election commission on victory rallies or gatherings.

In the afternoon, the commission asked the chief secretary to ensure compliance with the Covid norms.

It also directed the state administration to suspend the officers in charge of the police stations of the areas where violations were cited. No one was suspended till Sunday evening, said state government officials.

“We are trying our best to make people understand that so much mingling without masks could be dangerous,” said an officer of Hare Street police station.