Malda, April 12 -- With the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for April 23 approaching, authorities in Malda district have ramped up surveillance measures, deploying Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and establishing multiple naka check-posts across key locations, particularly in the Old Malda region, to ensure free and fair polling.

The heightened security arrangements come as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) remains in force, with officials focusing on curbing the illegal movement of cash, liquor, arms, and other inducements that could potentially influence voters.

Malda, which comprises 12 Assembly constituencies, is among the districts going to polls in Phase 1-- part of a total of 154 constituencies across We...