West Bengal CM Announces Police 'Free Hand' to Combat Crimes Against Women
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated in the Assembly on Wednesday that police have been given full autonomy to act swiftly in cases of crimes against women, without needing prior approval from higher authorities.
The announcement comes weeks after a key accused in the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur on July 5 was shot dead during a police encounter on July 8. The incident sparked political backlash and led to violent protests, during which a 48-year-old man was lynched by a mob. Police have arrested nearly 50 individuals in connection with the case.
During the debate on the Home and Hill Affairs Department budget, the Chief Minister criticized the previous administration led by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing it of trivializing crimes against women. He cited past remarks by Banerjee and alleged that victims' families were offered money to remain silent.
“Our government has proven how it should be in this one case in Baruipur,” Adhikari said. He assured that strict actions within the legal framework would be taken, including capital punishment for culprits. He also noted that three senior IPS officers had been suspended and the license of hospital superintendent Sandip Ghosh cancelled in connection with the RG Kar case.
The Chief Minister announced a series of police reforms, including the recruitment of 20,000 constables before Durga Puja and an additional 16,000 later. A special police helpline number and dedicated lines for reporting illegal smuggling of coal, animals, and sand will be launched. The Home Department will also allocate funds for three to four additional emergency vehicles per police station to reduce average response time from 12 minutes to 6 minutes, matching Uttar Pradesh's performance. Every police station will have a women's desk.
Adhikari blamed the previous Trinamool Congress regime for the poor state of the police force, alleging that police were used for political interests. He claimed that civic volunteers were hired without eligibility or training, leading to extortion and political servitude. He also condemned post-poll violence and egg attacks on opposition leaders, referencing an incident in Nandigram after the 2021 Assembly election.
