Amit Shah Unveils Security Roadmap For West Bengal, Directs Setting Up Of ATS And SIA

Published 20 July 2026 · india

Amit Shah Unveils Security Roadmap For West Bengal, Directs Setting Up Of ATS And SIA Reported By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 09:09 IST During

Amit Shah Unveils Security Roadmap For West Bengal, Directs Setting Up Of ATS And SIA Reported By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 09:09 IST During his three-day visit, Shah also sought an anti-narcotics task force, a review of UAPA cases and modernisation of the West Bengal Police. Rapid Read Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a review meeting on the implementation of these laws in the state with Chief Minister Shri @SuvenduWB ji and other senior officials. (X/@AmitShah) Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday chaired a high-level review meeting on the law and order situation in West Bengal, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen the state’s internal security, policing and criminal justice system. The meeting focused on counter-terrorism, border security, narcotics control, police modernisation, cyber security and women’s safety. Shah also directed officials to implement a series of measures within a stipulated timeframe. Key Decisions The Union Home Minister directed the state administration to Establish an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), an Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and a Special Investigation Agency (SIA) on the lines of the Investigation Agency (NIA). Launch a Women’s Outreach Programme, prioritising the safety of women in rural areas through regular engagement, awareness campaigns and empowerment initiatives. Ensure that the NIA conducts a comprehensive review of all terrorism- and UAPA-related cases concerning West Bengal. Remove illegal encroachments from government land in border areas. Modernise the West Bengal Police with adequate financial support from the Centre, improve infrastructure, strengthen service delivery and enhance police capabilities.

Convert one-third of the security camps in areas formerly affected by Left-Wing Extremism into Public Service Centres to improve access to government services. Strengthen cyber security capabilities, hold regular NCORD meetings to combat narcotics trafficking and prepare a comprehensive flood management plan for Kolkata. Why The Security Overhaul? West Bengal shares international borders with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, making it one of India’s most strategically sensitive states from a national security perspective. Its geographical location has long posed challenges related to cross-border terrorism, illegal infiltration, narcotics trafficking, organised crime and other security threats. According to sources, two broad messages emerged from the Union Home Minister’s review. The first is the Centre’s intention to eliminate the perception of West Bengal as a transit route for terrorist networks. The second is to build a stronger security architecture through specialised agencies with dedicated investigative and operational capabilities. Why Is The Centre Proposing An SIA? The proposed Special Investigation Agency (SIA) is expected to function as a state-level investigative agency on the lines of the Investigation Agency (NIA). Sources said the move is driven by the need for detailed investigations into bomb blasts and explosives-related cases, which have frequently posed law-and-order challenges in the state. While the NIA investigates selected terror-related offences, it is not feasible for the central agency to probe every bomb explosion or suspected terror-linked case. The proposed SIA would, therefore, undertake detailed investigations into such cases at the state level while coordinating with central agencies whenever required.