'Don't call us choti chata, we just follow orders': West Bengal police woman's candid bike ride video goes viral after polls. Watch

In the wake of West Bengal’s Assembly elections results, a video of a female police officer has gone viral, capturing raw emotions from the police workers who stood at the forefront of duty during the high-stakes polls. The clip shows the officer, dressed in a raincoat and helmet, speaking directly into her camera while riding. She opens up about the tough realities of policing: “Aap gaali de sakte ho, lekin hume jo Sarkar bolti hai, woh hum karte hain.” (You can abuse us, but we do what the government tells us.)

'Don't call us Choti-Chata this time'

She acknowledges the derogatory label “Choti-Chata” that sections of the public used for police in recent years, noting it came with the job. “A few days ago they used to call us Choti-Chata. Now someone else will give a different name. But it’s okay. We also belong to families. We need to feed them. So we can bear such bad names,” she says with a mix of resignation and resolve.



The officer stresses a point that has struck a chord, and triggered sharp reactions: the public elects the government, and the police simply carry out orders. "Name us anything but remember, you voters elect goverment, and we just follow orders," she urged. She urges people to choose wisely, reminding viewers that the force has no personal stake beyond executing directives.

Strong Reactions Pour In

The video, shared widely on social media, has ignited passionate discussions. Many users pointed to longstanding allegations of police actions in the state under previous TMC rule, questioning how officers could now distance themselves by saying they were “just following orders.” Several compared it to the “Nuremberg defence,” arguing that illegal or unconstitutional instructions should not be obeyed.

Others highlighted the difficult position of lower-rung personnel: “They endured 15 years... now trying to take high moral ground,” one reaction noted. Supporters of the officer appreciated her frankness, seeing it as a glimpse into the pressures faced by those in uniform who have limited choices.

The timing, right after the polls that brought a major shift, has amplified the conversation. With fresh expectations from the new government, questions about police accountability, political neutrality, and systemic reforms are gaining ground.

This viral moment reflects deeper frustrations in Bengal: the strained relationship between citizens and law enforcement, the challenges of serving under political pressures, and the hope for a more responsive force that truly serves the people. As debates continue online and offline, one thing is clear, the video has touched a nerve, forcing everyone to reflect on the role of police in a democracy where ultimate power rests with the voter.