The controversial incident of a Kali idol being loaded into a prison van in Kakdwip, South 24 Parganas, last year took center stage in the Legislative Assembly on Saturday, as Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a series of stringent actions against police personnel accused of misconduct during the previous government’s tenure.
Opening his address with the Kakdwip episode, the Chief Minister described the act as deeply insensitive and offensive to religious sentiments. He stated that the incident, along with a lathi-charge on protesting citizens in the Sundarban Police District, reflected a pattern of administrative excess and disregard for public emotion. IPS officer Koteswara Rao, who was leading the police force at the time, has been suspended.
Adhikari reiterated that his government has adopted a firm stance against police brutality, administrative overreach, and injustices faced by ordinary citizens. He went on to announce the suspension and dismissal of multiple police officials across several high-profile cases.
Among them was the fatal shooting of Rajbanshi youth Mrityunjay Barman in Kaliaganj, North Dinajpur. The Chief Minister recounted the sequence of events following the brutal murder of a Class IX Rajbanshi girl, which had sparked widespread protests demanding the arrest of the accused, allegedly the son of a local gram panchayat dominated by the TMC. He alleged that police mishandled the situation by dragging the minor’s body in public and later launching a crackdown on demonstrators.
According to the Chief Minister, assistant sub-inspector of police Moazzem Hossain, while attempting to arrest the victim’s uncle late at night, failed to locate him and instead shot Barman in the chest, leading to his death. Hossain has been immediately suspended, and a fresh FIR has been ordered against him.
Adhikari also claimed that the previous administration had failed to provide any compensation to Barman’s family. He added that during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, he had arranged employment for the victim’s wife under an attendant quota, which has since been regularised. He further stated that the government has now completed a preliminary investigation into the case.
The Assembly session also addressed allegations of harassment against former IPS officer Pankaj Dutta. The Chief Minister alleged that Dutta was detained at Burtolla Police Station for extended hours under political directives, preventing him from attending a scheduled program in Benares. He was reportedly made to sit from 10 am to 10 pm without even basic provisions such as drinking water. In connection with the incident, sub-inspector Sadhan Das and inspector-in-charge Subarna Dutta Chowdhury have both been suspended.
Further disciplinary action was announced in connection with a lathi-charge during the Jagaddhatri Puja immersion in Krishnanagar, Nadia. Inspector Amalendu Biswas has been suspended over allegations of excessive force against devotees and the use of offensive remarks concerning Sanatan Dharma. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against him.
The Chief Minister emphasised that these actions send a strong message within the police force and reaffirm the government’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights. He stated that there would be no compromise when it comes to curbing the abuse of power and ensuring justice for those affected by past misconduct.
Follow us
