A growing trend among a section of Kolkata police personnel has sparked serious concern at the highest levels of the force. Constables — none affiliated with the Intelligence or detective department — have allegedly been using social media platforms to post videos explaining criminal behaviour, showcasing investigation methods and dispensing amateur criminology advice to the public. These activities, often carried out while in uniform and within sensitive locations, have triggered a stern warning from the Commissioner of Police (CP), Manoj Verma.
At Lalbazar’s monthly crime meeting, Verma took an uncompromising stance. “This behaviour is fundamentally incompatible with the discipline and legacy of the Kolkata Police,” he declared. He added that any personnel caught filming or posting reels in uniform would face exemplary disciplinary action.
According to sources within Lalbazar, the police headquarters, multiple constables have opened their own YouTube channels, where they share sensationalised content about the criminal world. These officers, without formal intelligence training are reportedly instructing viewers on how to spot criminals based on body language, mimicking techniques used in high-level investigations. The videos, often set to Hindi and Bengali songs, are believed to be monetised— suggesting a pursuit of alternative income through online popularity.
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“This is a clear violation of conduct,” said a senior officer on condition of anonymity, adding, “Government service is not a platform for building parallel careers. Posting videos in uniform, particularly from restricted or government premises, is not only unethical but a potential threat to internal security.”
Officials fear that such content misleads the public and distorts the perception of law enforcement. Lalbazar asserts that only personnel trained and authorised within the intelligence and detective departments have the expertise to analyse or comment on criminal profiling and investigative methods. Unauthorised and often inaccurate content not only risks spreading misinformation but could also erode public trust.
The concern grew after a recent robbery at a gold shop in Nadia, during which a police officer was seen firing. Shortly after, another officer made controversial remarks about the incident on his personal YouTube channel. This pattern, wherein officers publicly comment on ongoing investigations or use real-life operations for content creation, has become increasingly problematic.
Moreover, videos have surfaced showing police personnel creating reels while actively on duty at sensitive government or restricted sites. This, officials warn, can lead to serious breaches in protocol and pose a threat to state security. “Such conduct sends the message that the force is distracted or unserious in discharging its duties,” said another officer.
Verma reinforced his stance during the crime meeting. “No such indulgence will be tolerated. If any officer is found filming or engaging with social media in uniform, disciplinary action will follow swiftly and decisively,” he stated.
In an era where social media presence often translates to influence and income, Kolkata Police is sending a clear message—professionalism, discipline and security will not be compromised. The force is now working to tighten internal protocols, monitor digital activities of its personnel and preserve the sanctity of its enduring traditions.
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