West Bengal TMC custodial death: Suvendu Adhikari closes IC, orders magisterial probe

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday closed the Inspector-in-Charge in connection with the custodial death of a Trinamool Congress worker in Halisahar in North 24 Parganas and entrusted the District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas with conducting a magisterial inquiry.

A day after former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s visit to Halisahar, Adhikari reached the family.

Admitting to the custodial death and “police negligence”, Adhikari said the investigating officer in the case has been suspended and the officer-in-charge of Halisahar police station has been closed.


Also Read: Halisahar Visit: Mud and bricks hurled at car, alleges Mamata Banerjee

Birju Keot, a Trinamool Congress worker, died on August 8 while he was in police custody.

“Death inside the police lock-up or in custody is true like daylight. It is proven that the death was due to police negligence, as he died while in custody. Whether he died due to torture or how he died, the DGP and I cannot say. A post-mortem was conducted by three doctors, with videography being done. Until the post-mortem report is received, no conclusion can be reached,” the CM said.

He handed over compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of the Trinamool Congress worker who died in police custody at Halisahar and gave a job as an attendant from his quota to a family member of the deceased.

“We are closing the police station’s IC (Inspector-in-Charge) and suspending the Investigating Officer (IO). A magisterial inquiry is mandatory in this case. Usually, the inquiry is conducted at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) level. We are entrusting the District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas with conducting the magisterial inquiry. The Chief Secretary will issue its notification today. I will sign the file today,” Adhikari said.

“As the Home Minister, throughout the year, I receive three attendants. I gave a job to the deceased’s wife as my attendant. After the mourning period is over, she will be attached to the local police station and receive Rs 15,000 per month as an attendant. Once the 12 months are complete, she will become permanent in Group D because regular jobs require passing an exam,” the CM said.

“For custodial deaths, there are certain arrangements laid down by the Supreme Court, NHRC and the state government. This will be done following those arrangements. The DGP and the Home Secretary will personally look after this and give me a report,” Adhikari added.

On Mamata Banerjee

Calling Mamata Banerjee’s claim that stones were hurled at her vehicle politically motivated, Adhikari said it reflected the grievances of common people over alleged corruption and theft by the Trinamool Congress.

Adhikari also said Banerjee’s visit was politically motivated and claimed that she had not informed the police about it.

“Banerjee did not inform the police about her visit. Police mobilisation also takes time. She receives Z-category security,” Adhikari said.

Major chaos erupted as mud and slippers were allegedly hurled at the vehicle of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee when she visited Halisahar to meet the family members of a Trinamool Congress worker who allegedly died in police custody.

Banerjee claimed that stones were hurled at her vehicle and slammed the BJP, calling it a “party of lumpens”. She said the stones could have smashed her head.