West Bengal CM suspends IPS officer, 4 policemen over alleged police excesses under TMC rule

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday announced the suspension of an IPS officer and four other police personnel over their alleged involvement in controversial incidents during the previous TMC government, asserting a policy of “zero tolerance” towards police excesses and abuse of power. 

Making the announcement in the state Assembly, Adhikari said his government would review cases of alleged misuse of police powers under the previous regime and ensure accountability regardless of rank.

The action relates to four incidents — the 2023 police shooting of Rajbanshi youth Mrityunjay Barman in Kaliaganj, the alleged harassment of former IPS officer Pankaj Dutta, a lathi-charge during a Jagaddhatri idol immersion procession in Krishnanagar and the transportation of a Kali idol in a prison van in Kakdwip.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Moyazzem Hossain was suspended over the death of Barman during violence in Kaliaganj. Adhikari alleged that Hossain fired the fatal shot and ordered a fresh FIR against him.

The chief minister also announced the suspension of former Burtolla police station investigating officer Sadhan Das and former officer-in-charge Subarna Dutta Chowdhury, alleging that they had acted on political instructions while dealing with former IPS officer Pankaj Dutta.

Disciplinary proceedings were also ordered against Inspector Amalendu Biswas over the alleged use of force during the Jagaddhatri immersion procession in Krishnanagar.

In another action, IPS officer Koteswar Rao was suspended over the Kakdwip incident involving the alleged placement of a Kali idol inside a prison van during protests following reported vandalism of the idol.

Adhikari said the decisions reflected his government's commitment to holding officials accountable for alleged abuse of authority and restoring public confidence in the police.

The BJP government has repeatedly accused the previous TMC administration of using the police to suppress dissent, allegations that the TMC had rejected while maintaining that police acted according to law.