“Traffic signals must not be violated for me”: CM Suvendu stops convoy on Red Road

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has instructed police officials that traffic signals must not be violated for the movement of his convoy. The directive reportedly came after an incident on Red Road in Kolkata on Tuesday evening, when police personnel allegedly attempted to clear his convoy through a crossing despite the traffic signal being red. According to sources, the Chief Minister immediately ordered his vehicle to stop and intervened directly at the spot.

Police sources said Suvendu Adhikari was travelling towards the PWD tent at the Maidan via Red Road when the incident occurred. A deputy commissioner-rank officer responsible for the Chief Minister’s line of route was reportedly trying to facilitate the quick passage of the VVIP convoy through the intersection. The Chief Minister then summoned the officer and instructed that traffic rules must not be broken for his movement under any circumstances.

According to sources, Suvendu Adhikari told the officer that his convoy would also obey traffic signals like ordinary vehicles. He reportedly stated that if required, the convoy could be diverted through an alternative route following proper procedures, but traffic laws should not be ignored for him. Sources further said the Chief Minister described such actions as “absolutely not right” and stated that he would function strictly within the framework of the law.

Police officials said the instruction is not limited to Red Road and is now being implemented across Kolkata. Every police station and traffic guard unit in the city has reportedly been informed about the directive. Officials have been instructed to ensure that traffic management during VVIP movement complies with standard traffic regulations.

Since assuming office, Suvendu Adhikari has announced several administrative measures relating to policing and governance. While granting greater operational freedom to police personnel, he has also repeatedly stressed adherence to law and procedure. Police sources said the latest directive has now become part of the operational instructions for convoy management across the city.