Kolkata: Inspector Gautam Das, who was removed as Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kalighat police station on May 2 and subsequently suspended for posting a now-deleted photograph of himself in uniform aiming an INSAS assault rifle on social media, has now been posted to the Chief Minister's Office at Nabanna. The Kolkata Police headquarters, Lalbazar, revoked his suspension on May 11 and directed him to report to the South Division of Kolkata Police two weeks ago.
New Posting Order
The fresh order states that the Governor decided to transfer Das, "presently posted at South Division, Kolkata Police and to place his service at the office of Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal at Nabanna on deputation basis until further orders." The order further reads, "The commissioner of Police, Kolkata is hereby requested to release inspector Goutam Das to enable him to join the said deputation posting as approved herein above." It adds that "the seniority position of the said police person shall however be maintained in the original gradation list (of the rank) of his parent-police force for the purpose of promotion, career advancement scheme etc." The order is signed by a deputy secretary of the Home and Hill Department.
Background of the Case
The earlier order revoking his suspension had stated that a decision regarding the period he spent under suspension will be taken at the time of disposal of the departmental proceeding initiated against him over the issue. The May 11 order was signed by Police Commissioner Ajay Nand. Das, a Special Branch inspector, assumed charge as Kalighat OC on April 25, just four days before the Kolkata municipal polls. At that time, Kolkata Police was investigating prima facie complaints that Das violated Election Commission guidelines, the police's internal social media policy, and service rules, and also handled the INSAS assault rifle illegally. Notably, the Kalighat police station covers part of the Bhowanipore assembly constituency, represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
This development has sparked discussions about disciplinary actions and postings within the police force. The move to place Das in the Chief Minister's Office has raised eyebrows given the nature of his suspension. However, the order emphasizes that his seniority will be maintained for promotional purposes. Further updates on the departmental proceedings are awaited.
