Kolkata, May 16 -- Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday, dissolved the Police Welfare Board constituted during the tenure of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that the body had turned into a "frontal organisation" of a political party and was being misused for illegal service extensions.
He also issued a stern warning against extortion from toto drivers, auto-rickshaw operators and hawkers, declaring that such collections would not be tolerated under the new administration.
Chairing a high-level police administration meeting at Diamond Harbour on Saturday afternoon, Adhikari stressed that "rule of law" would replace what he described as the earlier "law of rulers".
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal, Director General of Police Siddhnath Gupta and senior police officers, while OCs and ICs from several districts joined virtually.
"The Police Welfare Board was created with good intentions. Later, it turned into a branch organisation of a political party. I do not know how much welfare it actually ensured for the police force, but officers like Santanu Singh Biswas and Bijitashwa Raut were certainly benefited from it," said Adhikari adding that an official government notification regarding dissolution of the Board would be issued on Monday.
The Board was constituted in 2012, a year after the Trinamool Congress came to power in the state with the stated objective of providing healthcare and retirement-related benefits to police personnel and their families but allegedly deviated from its commitment.
Police officers Santanu and Bijitashwa had served as coordinators of the board. Santanu, currently a Deputy Commissioner of Kolkata Police and former officer-in-charge of Kalighat police station, was arrested on Thursday in a corruption case. He had retired at the rank of Inspector and was later appointed Officer on Special Duty during the Mamata Banerjee government.
Adhikari said that the Home department will seek suggestions from retired and senior police officers, including those associated with the Board and then a committee that will be formed under the leadership of the Chief Secretary will prepare a proposal regarding the formation of a new Board.
"This committee will submit the proposal to the state Cabinet for approval and the entire process of constitution of the new Board will be done within 90 days," he added.
The Chief Minister also announced several important administrative and policing measures. He said police would now function strictly according to the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). People affected by political violence would be allowed to submit evidence and lodge FIRs. Those allegedly harassed unfairly by police in politically motivated cases would also be able to file complaints and police would now be required to accept.
He further said that women who had faced harassment or unpleasant experiences while approaching police stations earlier could also register complaints. Citizens who were allegedly forced to pay "cut money" to access government welfare schemes would similarly be able to file complaints at police stations. According to him, all complaints would be investigated thoroughly. If allegations were proven true, strict legal action would follow. However, if complaints were found to be false, action would also be taken against complainants under the law.
The Chief Minister additionally warned against illegal collection of money from Toto drivers, auto-rickshaw operators and hawkers. He advised citizens to go directly to the police if anyone demanded money from them and urged people not to make any payments without proper receipts.
"The police will act as per legal provisions and not under instructions of any MP or his personal assistant," he added.
Adhikari asked the Home Secretary and the DGP to consider a proposal of posting a police constable who has served for 15 years or more to his /her own district, ensuring that there is no compromise with the law and order situation. The Chief Minister also requested the DGP to examine whether a woman police officer or constable can be posted in close proximity to her residence.
He directed the police force to be vigilant and inform the concerned BDO or the Irrigation department if they come across any breach of dams or embankments ahead of the monsoon.
Adhikari said that he would request Home minister Amit Shah to keep Central Forces posted in the state for another two months.
Trinamool Congress Diamond Harbour MLA Pannalal Halder came with a flower bouquet to greet the Chief Minister at his meeting venue. But he arrived when the meeting had already started, and ultimately could not meet the Chief Minister.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.