DIAMOND HARBOUR: Asserting a major shift in governance, West Bengal’s newly appointed Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari declared on Saturday that the era of “ruler’s law” in the state has ended, making way for the “rule of law.”
Chairing a high-level police administration meeting in Diamond Harbour, South 24 Parganas, Adhikari—who took oath last week as the state’s first-ever BJP Chief Minister—announced the immediate dissolution of the State Police Welfare Board, alleging it had degenerated into a political tool.
Crackdown on Institutional Politicization
The Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on the functioning of the erstwhile Police Welfare Board, stating it had deviated entirely from its original mandate.
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Frontal Organisation Allegations: Adhikari noted that while the board was established with good intentions, it had effectively transformed into a branch organization for a specific political party.
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Illegal Extensions: He criticized the body for becoming a hub for granting illegal employment extensions and serving personal interests rather than police welfare.
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The Road Ahead: In place of the dissolved board, a high-level committee spearheaded by the Chief Secretary has been mandated to formulate a comprehensive blueprint for police reforms within three months.
Zero Tolerance for Extortion and Citizen Harassment
Outlining his administration’s law-and-order roadmap, the Chief Minister issued strict directives to eliminate ground-level corruption and bridge the gap between the police and the public.
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Direct Public Grievances: Adhikari emphasized that the law is equal for all, stating that ordinary citizens harassed by law enforcement can directly approach police stations to lodge formal complaints.
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End to Local Levies: The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against local groups or rogue police personnel extracting money from hawkers, e-rickshaw, and auto-rickshaw drivers.
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Toll Extortion: Strict instructions were issued to immediately halt illegal toll collection and the arbitrary stopping of vehicles on highways.
Protection for On-Duty Personnel
While demanding accountability, the Chief Minister firmly backed police personnel executing their lawful duties. He warned that any assault or attack on police officers maintaining law and order would invite the strictest possible legal action, signaling a dual approach of internal reform and robust institutional protection.
