West Bengal CM announces ₹10 lakh relief for kin of TMC worker who died in police custody
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday visited the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker Birju Keot, who died in police custody at Halisahar in North 24 Parganas district, and announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh and a government job for his wife.
Keot died in police custody on August 8. His family has alleged that he was tortured to death. During her visit, the Chief Minister said a magistrate-level investigation would be conducted into the death, following the standard protocol for custodial deaths.
Ms. Banerjee said the investigating officer who had arrested Keot has been suspended, and the officer-in-charge of the local police station has been transferred to the Barrackpore Police lines. The compensation and the job for the widow were announced as immediate relief for the family.
Jenny Sharma Keot, wife of the deceased and a former TMC councillor, submitted a written complaint to the Chief Minister. She said that more than monetary compensation, she wants justice for her husband.
Responding to the family's plea, Ms. Banerjee said: “I have expressed gratitude to the family on behalf of the government. They did not allow anyone to do politics over the death. The Leader of Opposition came to visit, but the family did not meet him. The deceased’s elder brother told him that they want justice, and only the administration can grant them justice. They have trusted the government and the administration. This is a big debt to us.”
On Sunday, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari had visited the family residence. During his visit, a crowd gathered and raised slogans, and his vehicle was reportedly attacked. Mr. Adhikari claimed it was a conspiracy to kill him. Responding to this, the Chief Minister said the police had provided adequate security to Mr. Adhikari, and the sloganeering was a result of public anger.
Supporters of Mr. Adhikari held protests across the city on Monday. BJP MLAs also staged a demonstration in the State Assembly over the attack on their leader.
The incident has reignited debate over police conduct and custodial deaths in West Bengal. Opposition leaders have called for a thorough and impartial inquiry. The government has said it will follow due process.
