Lalbazar suspends 2 cops for extortion on Howrah bridge, civic volunteer sacked

Kolkata police have suspended two of their personnel, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a constable, and dismissed a civic volunteer on charges of extortion. The action was taken following allegations of them extorting money from motorists on the iconic Howrah Bridge, a bustling artery of the city.

The incident came to light after night patrolling police officers noticed the suspicious activities involving a PCR van on Howrah Bridge. This is not the first time such an allegation has surfaced against police personnel on the city's key bridges; earlier, similar complaints of extortion were made against police on the Second Hooghly Bridge as well.

Lalbazar, the headquarters of the Kolkata Police, had previously issued strict instructions that no leniency would be shown to police officers or personnel accused of extortion. The force has been under scrutiny, with several complaints of misconduct against police on the streets. The Police Minister and the Chief Minister themselves have reportedly had to reprimand police officers over such incidents, highlighting the gravity of the matter.

A recent video, which was shown by Taaza TV, had surfaced showing police personnel on the Second Hooghly Bridge extorting money. In the video, a police officer can be seen making gestures to collect money after stopping a car, while seemingly talking to someone. This visual evidence of police misconduct led Lalbazar to take strict action.

In the Howrah Bridge incident, the accusations against the ASI and the constable were related to their alleged use of a PCR van to facilitate extortion. The patrolling police officers who observed the illicit activity reported the matter, leading to the immediate suspension of the two police personnel.