Female sub-inspector protests alleged misconduct by Officer-in-Charge over housing dispute

Soma Tarfardar, a female sub-inspector stationed at the Nadia police station, has sparked significant attention by staging a protest outside the facility, alleging misconduct by Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Soumen Bandopadhyay. Tarfardar, who has been with the Nadia police for over a year and a half, claims that her increased familiarity with the station's operations has led to animosity from the OIC. She asserts that Bandopadhyay has leveled unfounded accusations against her, which she believes are motivated by a personal vendetta rather than legitimate concerns about her performance.

The primary catalyst for the protest appears to be a dispute regarding police housing. Sources within the police department indicate that Tarfardar was instructed to vacate a constable's residence, a directive she allegedly disregarded. Bandopadhyay contends that this refusal to comply constituted insubordination, leading him to submit a formal report to higher authorities regarding the situation. Consequently, Tarfardar was suspended for disobeying orders, a move that has raised eyebrows among her colleagues and within the broader police community.

In the wake of her suspension, Tarfardar has actively sought to escalate her grievances to higher levels of the police hierarchy. She has communicated her concerns via email to the police headquarters, the Chief of Police (C.P.), and the District Commissioner (D.C.) of Port. In these correspondences, Tarfardar has detailed her allegations against Bandopadhyay and expressed her belief that she is being unjustly targeted due to her growing influence within the station. Her outreach to these authorities indicates her determination to pursue her case and seek resolution beyond the immediate command structure.

The protest and the surrounding circumstances have ignited discussions within the police department about the treatment of female officers and the accountability of commanding officers. While some colleagues have expressed support for Tarfardar, others have raised concerns about the potential impact of her protest on departmental morale and the integrity of police operations. As investigations continue, the OIC’s report detailing the events leading to Tarfardar’s suspension will play a crucial role in assessing the validity of her claims and the appropriateness of the disciplinary actions taken against her.