West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday announced a series of sweeping police and administrative reforms, including the dissolution of the Police Welfare Board, stricter protest regulations and a renewed push for accountability within the police force.
Addressing a high-level administrative review meeting in Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, Adhikari said police officers must function independently and free from political interference, signalling a major shift in the state’s policing approach.
Taking a swipe at the previous government led by Mamata Banerjee and the All India Trinamool Congress, the Chief Minister alleged that police personnel had earlier been compelled to act under political pressure. He claimed to possess evidence of local political leaders influencing police officers through direct communication.
In one of the key announcements, Adhikari ordered the immediate dissolution of the Police Welfare Board and laid out a new operational framework for policing across the state.
Focus on women’s safety, digital policing
All police stations will now be required to establish dedicated Women’s Desks aimed at strengthening support systems for women. The government will also introduce an “E-Office” system to enable citizens to file complaints and seek legal assistance online without visiting police stations physically.
Stricter rules for protests
The state government has tightened regulations governing protests and demonstrations. Organisers will now have to obtain prior written permission before holding rallies, protests or sit-ins, while spontaneous road blockades are expected to invite strict action from authorities.
Warning against vandalism
In a controversial warning, Adhikari said people found damaging public property during protests or disturbances could face seizure of assets, which may later be auctioned to recover repair costs.
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Push for internal police discipline
The Chief Minister also highlighted shortcomings within the police force, criticising the condition of police vehicles and lapses such as missing pollution certificates and unlicensed drivers. He stressed that police personnel must maintain discipline and follow regulations before enforcing the law among citizens.
Crackdown on illegal construction
Authorities have been directed to inspect high-rise buildings for fire safety compliance and crack down on unauthorised constructions through coordinated action between civic bodies and police.
Anti-corruption drive intensified
Adhikari said the administration would intensify efforts to identify and prosecute those involved in embezzlement of public funds, including alleged irregularities linked to welfare schemes such as the 100-day work programme.
Heightened vigilance in sensitive districts
Police units in sensitive regions, including Beldanga and Asansol, have been placed on heightened alert, with the Chief Minister warning that negligence in maintaining law and order would not be tolerated.
The meeting marked one of the most assertive administrative interventions by the new government so far, underlining its focus on centralised authority, stricter policing and institutional discipline.
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