Kolkata: Police stations in West Bengal will now have to accept complaints against police excesses from the last five years, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Saturday in Diamond Harbour after his first administrative meeting with top police officers.
Four Categories of Complaints
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Adhikari highlighted four categories under which alleged victims could file fresh complaints: political violence, police brutality, harassment against women, and extortion or bribery linked to welfare benefits.
"Those who were victims of political violence over the last five years can file fresh FIRs. There have also been allegations that people were detained and beaten for several days by police. These complaints should be filed. Police will accept them," Adhikari said.
"Survivors can file complaints regarding crimes against women. There have been allegations that police tried to settle matters instead of registering cases," he added, while warning against misuse of the mechanism. Legal action would follow if false complaints were filed, Adhikari stated.
Extortion Stops From Today
In a bid to underline a larger political message, the Chief Minister said Bengal would now move toward rule of law and not "law of the ruler." "From today, no one will extort auto drivers, Toto drivers, or hawkers. Nobody should pay tolls without an official receipt. If anyone demands money, people should directly approach police stations. Complaints will be accepted," he said.
Police Welfare Board Dissolved
Alleging that the Mamata Banerjee-led government had weakened administrative discipline and hierarchy, Adhikari announced the dissolution of the police welfare board, stating that the panel had strayed from its original purpose and functioned as a political outfit.
