New Delhi, Feb. 25 -- The Election Commission has directed the West Bengal Police to identify sensitive pockets in the state to enable focussed deployment of security forces ahead of the Assembly elections later this year.

According to officials familiar with the matter, a total of 480 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies will be deployed in two phases - 240 on March 1 and the remaining on March 10.

"Sensitive pocket mapping is critical for calibrated force deployment and voter confidence," a senior EC official said.

He added, "The deployment plan is being finalised in consultation with central observers and coordinated by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)." Central observers have been asked to monitor deployment and subm...