West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the home of the deceased TMC worker in Halisahar on Monday, August 10.
Police officials face immediate disciplinary action
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the family of the TMC worker who allegedly died in police custody in Halisahar on Monday morning, accompanied by Minister Arjun Singh, Sumana Sarkar, the local MLA, the state Director General of Police and the Barrackpore Police Commissioner.
After meeting the deceased worker’s family, Adhikari announced that the Inspector-in-Charge (IC) of Halisahar Police Station would be removed from his post and that the Investigating Officer (IO) handling the case would be suspended.
Wife requests support for children’s future
He also announced a government job for the deceased’s wife as a Chief Minister’s attendant and financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for the family.
Speaking in Halisahar, Adhikari said the deceased’s wife had submitted a written letter to him and thanked the family for not allowing the death to become a political issue. He also referred to the visit of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying that the family had not met her and that the deceased’s brother had only demanded justice.
Inquiry entrusted to district magistrate directly
“The state administration can deliver justice. That itself is a major achievement,” Adhikari said.
He added that there have been several instances of deaths and killings involving police custody or political violence in Bengal, including incidents involving firing, clashes, bombs and firearms.
Wife offered Chief Minister’s attendant job
Adhikari said that neither during the tenures of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee nor Mamata Banerjee had there been an instance where a Chief Minister visited the home of someone holding a different political view, accompanied by the state police chief.
He said the family’s decision to place its faith in the local administration was significant.
The Chief Minister further said the deceased’s wife had asked him to take action against the police personnel responsible. According to Adhikari, she has two children and requested assistance for their future and education.
Family alleges death followed police torture
“His death in a police lock-up is as clear as daylight. However, I cannot say how much torture he was subjected to. Until we receive the report, I cannot make any such statement,” Adhikari said.
Adhikari announced immediate action in the case, ordering the removal of the Halisahar Police Station IC and suspension of the Investigating Officer.
Custody death triggers political confrontation in Bengal
He said that a Deputy Magistrate or an SDO generally investigates such incidents. However, considering the seriousness of the case, the District Magistrate has been entrusted with the inquiry. The Chief Secretary will issue an official notification regarding the investigation on Monday afternoon, he added.
The deceased’s wife has been offered a job as a Chief Minister’s attendant. Attendants receive a monthly salary of ₹15,000 for 12 months and are subsequently appointed to Group D posts.
“I cannot give a government job without an examination. That is why I offered this job, and she has agreed to it,” Adhikari said.
₹10 lakh assistance announced for children
He also handed over a cheque of ₹10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the education of the deceased worker’s two children.
The incident occurred after Birju Kumar, a resident of Ward 24 in Kanchrapara, North 24 Parganas, was arrested by police on Friday night. According to his family, he was medically examined and was in good health at the time of his arrest. He subsequently died while in police custody in the early hours of the morning.
