NEW DELHI: CEC Gyanesh Kumar Wednesday directed authorities to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence in West Bengal after two deaths and widespread vandalism raised concerns about law and order in the state.

Officials said the CEC also instructed the state’s top administrative and police officers to take urgent measures to restore normalcy. They added DMs and SPs were directed to ensure continuous patrolling in sensitive areas. “Instructions have been issued to the Bengal chief secretary, DGP, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all DMs, SPs and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas,” an EC official said, quoting the CEC. “People responsible for inciting violence and vandalism must be arrested immediately.” “Police and district authorities are maintaining strict vigil in all districts in coordination with the central forces,” the official said. As per EC’s deployment plan, 700 companies of CAPF will remain deployed in sensitive areas.