Kolkata Police have deployed additional personnel in areas with a known presence of Bangladeshis.

Multiple pickets have been set up on Marquis Street, Free School Street, Kyd Street and in Beckbagan, close to the Bangladesh deputy high commission.

An alert has been issued especially for the New Market, Taltala and Park Street police station areas where hotels and guest houses usually have a large number of Bangladeshi guests.

“Most Bangladeshi nationals who come to Calcutta as tourists or for medical reasons stay at guest houses in the New Market, Taltala and Park Street areas. We were instructed on Monday night to increase vigil in these places,” said an officer in the central division of Kolkata Police.

The police said all restaurants have been asked to strictly follow the closure schedule.

“All guest houses have been checked for an approximate count of Bangladeshi nationals staying there,” said an officer.

A senior officer at the Kolkata Police headquarters said security has been intensified to ensure there are no untoward incidents.

“We are ready to assist Bangladeshi nationals if they seek help. The police presence is a confidence-building measure and meant to prevent any possible untoward incident related to Bangladeshi nationals here. They are our guests,” said the senior officer.

The outpouring of people on Dhaka’s streets on Monday and the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government have triggered a fresh spell of violence across Bangladesh and the police in Bengal are apprehensive about any fallout on this side of the border.

“The slightest provocation could be dangerous at this point. We have to prevent
that here (in India),” said an officer.

The police are also checking social media to identify posts that could create panic or law and order problems. Several videos, photographs and posts have emerged depicting scenes of extreme violence in Bangladesh. Many have been in circulation on social media.

Officers said they are in the process of identifying posts or media files that could have a direct impact on peace and harmony in India.

A contingent led by an assistant commissioner has been deployed near the deputy high commission of Bangladesh.