Kolkata Police Face Assault in Two Separate Incidents
Two distinct cases of alleged assault on police personnel have been registered in Kolkata this week, highlighting challenges faced by law enforcement during routine operations. The incidents occurred in Anandapur and Kasba, prompting authorities to issue new directives regarding body camera usage and procedural protocols.
Anandapur Incident: Women Protesters Barricade Police During Arrest Attempt
In the first case, Anandapur police registered a formal complaint after an attempted arrest on Sunday escalated into a confrontation. According to the complaint filed by Sub-Inspector Sunil Sardar of Anandapur Police Station, officers arrived at West Chowbaga around 5:10 PM to apprehend Firoz Sk, a 33-year-old individual named in a theft FIR.
Police officials alleged that family members of the accused actively obstructed the arrest operation. The situation deteriorated when women protesters barricaded the raiding team and physically assaulted the officers. A case has been registered under Sections 221, 132, and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Named individuals in the complaint include:
- Sahana Khatun
- Sany Begum
- Sana Khatun
- Firoz Sk
Notably, the women involved could not be immediately arrested due to insufficient availability of female police personnel at the scene, according to official statements.
Kasba Incident: Officer Assaulted During Routine Enquiry
The second case emerged from Kasba, where Sub-Inspector Rabi Biswas of Kasba Police Station filed a complaint alleging physical assault. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when police personnel visited the residence of Ranjit Kumar Shaw, a 48-year-old resident of Picnic Garden Road, for what was described as a routine enquiry.
According to the police complaint, Shaw allegedly used force against Biswas and other officers present at the location. The confrontation represents another instance where routine police work faced unexpected resistance from civilians.
Police Headquarters Issues New Directives
In response to these incidents, Lalbazar (Kolkata Police headquarters) has issued specific directives to all police personnel. The instructions emphasize enhanced procedural compliance during duty operations.
Key directives include:
- Ensuring body cameras remain switched on throughout duty assignments
- Preserving body camera footage for a minimum period of six months
- Accepting fines exclusively through official mobile applications rather than cash transactions
These measures aim to improve transparency, accountability, and documentation of police interactions with the public. The body camera requirement specifically addresses situations where allegations of misconduct or assault might arise, providing objective evidence for investigation purposes.
The back-to-back incidents have drawn attention to the working conditions of Kolkata police officers and the challenges they encounter while performing standard law enforcement duties. Both cases remain under active investigation as authorities work to determine appropriate legal actions against the accused individuals.
