Kolkata Police Takes Action Against Senior Officers Following Political Violence
In a significant development, Kolkata Police has issued show-cause notices to two Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) in connection with security lapses during recent political clashes. The action comes amid escalating tensions between the Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the city.
Security Lapses During Nomination Filing
On Thursday, when Union Home Minister Amit Shah accompanied Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari to file his nomination for the Bhowanipore assembly constituency, Trinamool protesters shouted slogans, leading to a violent confrontation when party workers came face to face. The incident occurred during what was supposed to be a peaceful nomination filing process.
The two DCPs who have been handed show-cause notices are:
- Siddhartha Dutta, DC II (South) of Kolkata Police
- Manas Roy, DC 2 (Reserve Force)
Both officers were directly responsible for security arrangements during the Thursday event. The show-cause notices demand explanations for the security failures that allowed the confrontation to escalate.
Multiple FIRs Registered Across Police Stations
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have registered multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the political violence:
- Two FIRs were filed at Alipore Police Station - one based on a formal complaint by the Election Commission regarding Model Code of Conduct violations, and another initiated by police authorities.
- A third FIR was registered at Kalighat Police Station suo motu by the police.
- Previously, Hare Street Police Station had registered FIRs against several individuals, including two Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillors, regarding an April 1 fracas at the Election Commission office.
Political Accusations and Counter-Accusations
The legal actions come as authorities begin reviewing multiple cross-complaints lodged by both political parties. The Election Commission's FIR specifically claimed that the Trinamool congregation was illegal, as no prior permission had been obtained.
Trinamool spokesperson Riju Dutta accused the Election Commission of bias and incompetence, alleging that the EC was acting at the behest of the BJP by facilitating the entry of "outsiders" from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh while unfairly targeting TMC protesters with legal action.
BJP spokesperson Debjit Sarkar countered these claims, stating that the unrest was a clear sign of the TMC's waning influence in the region. In a further escalation, a Trinamool delegation on Friday demanded the removal of the Bhowanipore Electoral Registration Officer due to alleged bias and an out-of-turn appointment that they claim favors the BJP.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Investigations
This recent violence follows an earlier incident on April 1, when two KMC councillors - Santi Ranjan Kundu (ward 32) and Sachin Singh (ward 36) - faced FIRs for their alleged involvement in a stand-off at the Election Commission office regarding Form 6 issues. Both councillors now face non-bailable charges and have been summoned for questioning within the next three days.
Both councillors have vehemently denied the allegations. Kundu stated, "We were nowhere near the EC office. We maintained a safe 200-metre distance from the commission office. We condemn this highly politically motivated move." Singh added, "We are public representatives and not hooligans. We went to the spot with the intention of protecting the interests of the voters. Whatever is happening regarding Form 6 is highly suspicious, and we need to be more vigilant to thwart any conspiracy."
A senior home department official has informed Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal that an action-taken report on the April 1 incident would be submitted on Sunday, indicating that investigations into both incidents are proceeding simultaneously.
