Accept all plaints of police excesses in 5 years, says West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari to cops

KOLKATA: Police stations in Bengal will have to accept complaints against cop excesses in last five years, CM Suvendu Adhikari said on Saturday in Diamond Harbour after his first administrative meeting with top police officers.

Speaking to media after the meeting, Adhikari highlighted four categories, saying that alleged victims of political violence, police brutality, harassment against women, and extortion or bribery linked to welfare benefits would now be allowed to file fresh complaints. "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 even while warning against misuse of mechanism. Legal action would follow if false complaints were filed, Adhikari said.

In a bid to underline a larger political message, the CM said Bengal would now move toward rule of law and not "law of 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.

Alleging that the Mamata Banerjee-led govt had weakened administrative discipline and hierarchy, Adhikari announced dissolution of the police welfare board, saying that the panel had strayed from its original purpose and functioned as a political outfit.