CM Mamta Banerjee takes action on recent violence, transfers police officials

The government of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal has taken action in response to recent incidents of violence in the state. Superintendent of Police Bishop Sarkar in Islampur was suddenly transferred, with Yashpreet Singh taking his place. Additionally, the posts of Inspector-in-Charge of Howrah and Shibpur police stations have also been changed.

Recent incidents of violence during Ram Navami in Howrah and Shivpur have been attributed by the Chief Minister to the BJP. However, questions have been raised about the role of both the government and the police in these events.

The state secretariat has stated that these transfers are routine administrative decisions by the state police. However, given the recent chain of events, many are scrutinizing these changes closely.

In particular, the recent political struggle in Islampur resulted in clashes and criminal incidents in Chopra, Golpokhar, and Islampur police stations, with five people including a civilian volunteer losing their lives in the last one and a half months. Most of the deceased were members of the ruling party in the state.

Similarly, a few days ago, a large area of Shivpur in Howrah saw unrest due to a Ram Navami procession, with ongoing political debate surrounding the events. These areas fall under the jurisdiction of Howrah and Shivpur police stations, and changes have been made to their leadership following the incident.

The Inspector-in-Charge of Howrah police station, Dipankar Das, has been transferred to the Jhargram court inspector post, while the Inspector-in-Charge of Shivpur police station, Arup Kumar Rai, has been moved to the intelligence branch of the state police. Sandeep Pakhira and Abhijeet Chatterjee have taken their respective positions.