Outgoing DGP underscores courage, unity and responsibility amid questions over policing and leadership transition

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, January 29, 2026 : West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, who is set to retire from service on January 31, on Thursday described the Bengal Police as “the best in the country” and said that honest courage remains the greatest weapon of the police force. Kumar made the remarks while addressing a farewell parade and felicitation ceremony held at the Alipore Bodyguard Lines, attended by senior officers, police personnel and their families.

In his farewell address, the 1989-batch IPS officer, currently serving as the officiating DGP, praised the professionalism and dedication of both the West Bengal Police and the Kolkata Police, asserting that every rank—from home guards and civic volunteers to senior officers—plays an equally vital role in maintaining law and order. “The West Bengal Police is among the best in the country. From home guards to officers in senior positions, everyone contributes significantly. We are a family, and our strength lies in staying united,” he said.

Emphasising courage as the defining quality of a police force, Kumar said the police often operate in extremely challenging circumstances and must remain firm in their decisions. Clarifying his remarks, he stated that courage does not mean aggression or the indiscriminate use of force. “Honest courage is the greatest weapon of the police. Courage means standing your ground and remaining resolute in your decisions, not merely taking action or firing bullets,” he said.

Kumar highlighted the unique strategic and geopolitical challenges faced by the state, noting that West Bengal shares international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. According to him, developments in neighbouring countries and even in the northeastern states have a direct impact on Bengal, making policing in the state particularly complex and sensitive. Despite these challenges, he said, the force has consistently discharged its duties with distinction.

Referring to past operational challenges, Kumar praised the role of the state police in dealing with the Maoist problem and highlighted its effectiveness in managing massive public events such as Durga Puja and the Gangasagar Mela. He said that while similar events elsewhere have sometimes resulted in loss of lives, the way the Bengal Police manages crowds and maintains order during such occasions is a matter of pride. “Talk is not as important as work. You are one of the best police forces in the country, but this must be proved through action, not words,” he told the personnel.

Kumar’s comments come against the backdrop of repeated public scrutiny of the police’s role in recent controversies. Last year, parts of Murshidabad witnessed violence over the Waqf issue, during which a train was set on fire, and allegations were raised that the police failed to act firmly. More recently, MLA Monirul Islam was accused of vandalising the Farakka BDO office over the SIR issue, with videos of the incident going viral on social media and drawing widespread condemnation. The absence of prompt police action in that case also triggered criticism. Conversely, the police have faced backlash for the use of force against teachers who lost their jobs and were protesting, leading to intense public debate over selective policing.

Informed circles believe that Kumar’s emphasis on “honest courage” and firmness in decision-making during his farewell speech was a response to these criticisms, underscoring the need for balanced, principled and responsible policing.

Rajeev Kumar, a recipient of the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2005 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2015, served as Director General of Police from December 2023 to March 2024 and again from July 2024 in an officiating capacity. His retirement comes amid uncertainty over the appointment of a permanent DGP in the state. Although he is due to retire on January 31, his name has been included among the officers proposed by the state government to the Centre for consideration for the post.

The list sent to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) also includes IPS officers Rajesh, Ranbir Kumar, Debashis Ray, Anuj Sharma, Jagmohan, N Ramesh Babu and Siddhinath Gupta. As per norms, the UPSC prepares a panel of three officers from the names forwarded by the state, from which the state government selects one for appointment as DGP. The last permanent DGP, Manoj Malviya, retired in December 2023, but procedural delays in forwarding the panel led to its return by the UPSC, leaving the post vacant.

As Rajeev Kumar prepares to step down, his farewell message placed renewed emphasis on courage, unity and integrity as the cornerstones of policing, even as the force continues to navigate public scrutiny and a leadership transition.

Affidavit before Calcutta High Court claims proceeds of coal smuggling were routed through multiple domestic and international channels during the 2021–22 Goa Assembly elections

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 12, 2026, Kolkata :   The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has informed the Calcutta High Court that it has uncovered an alleged ₹20 crore hawala transaction linking the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), a political strategy firm, in connection with the 2021–22 Goa Assembly elections. In an affidavit submitted to the court, the central agency has claimed that the money was transferred from the TMC office in Kolkata to I-PAC’s Goa operations through a complex web of domestic and international hawala channels.

According to the ED, the funds constituted “proceeds of crime” generated from alleged coal smuggling activities. The agency has stated that the amount bypassed the formal banking system and changed hands at least six times through hawala operators before ultimately reaching a company associated with I-PAC in Goa. The money, the ED has alleged, was subsequently utilised for I-PAC’s organisational and operational activities during the Goa election period.

Detailing the alleged money trail, the ED has told the court that the funds first moved from Kolkata to a former director of a financial firm based in Delhi. From there, the money was allegedly routed through a hawala operator identified as ‘Munna’ and passed through several intermediaries before reaching an entity named R Kantilal. In Goa, the agency claims, the cash was received by employees of an event management and technology company who were, according to investigators, working on behalf of I-PAC.

The investigation has also placed I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain at the centre of the case. The ED has submitted that Jain was overseeing I-PAC’s activities in Goa during the relevant period. Acting on this information, the agency conducted searches at ten locations in Delhi and Kolkata in early January, including Jain’s residence on Loudon Street in Kolkata as well as the I-PAC office. Officials have maintained that the searches were carried out on the basis of documentary and digital evidence gathered during the probe.

The case has triggered sharp political reactions. The Trinamool Congress has alleged that central investigative agencies are being misused to target opposition parties and create political pressure, particularly ahead of elections. The ED, however, has rejected these claims, asserting that its actions are strictly evidence-driven and that all materials supporting its allegations have been placed before the court.

At the heart of the controversy lies the question of whether illegal funds were channelled to a political strategy firm through a hawala network or whether the investigation itself is being leveraged as a political tool. With the matter now under the scrutiny of the Calcutta High Court, the ED’s findings and the counter-arguments are expected to be closely examined as legal proceedings continue.

Decision to set up booths in 69 housing complexes across seven districts sparks political reaction in West Bengal

According to sources, BJP leaders Rahul Sinha and Shishir Bajoria had recently approached the Commission seeking the setting up of polling booths inside large residential complexes where a substantial number of voters reside. Acting on this request, the Election Commission on Friday announced that polling stations would be established inside residential complexes having more than 300 registered voters, citing logistical necessity and voter convenience.

In an official announcement, the Commission said it had decided to set up polling booths in a total of 69 multi-storey residential complexes spread across seven districts, including Kolkata. As per the approved list, polling centres will be established in two complexes in South Kolkata, eight in North Kolkata, 25 in South 24 Parganas, 22 in North 24 Parganas, four in Howrah, three in East Burdwan, and five in Hooghly.

The Commission later issued a notification explaining that the number of voters residing in these complexes is particularly high and that, without dedicated polling centres within the premises, it would be difficult to conduct elections smoothly. The move, it said, is aimed at improving accessibility and ensuring orderly polling. With booths located inside their residential complexes, voters will no longer be required to travel long distances and will be able to cast their votes conveniently within their own neighbourhoods.

The Commission further clarified that the decision was taken to enhance voter convenience and potentially increase voter turnout. While 69 residential complexes have been identified at present, officials indicated that the number could increase marginally. The finalised list will be forwarded to the Election Commission of India for record and further action. It was also stated that necessary infrastructure and security arrangements would be put in place in coordination with the respective district administrations and the management authorities of the residential complexes.

The decision has drawn strong criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress. Party leaders alleged that the move demonstrated political bias on the part of the Election Commission, claiming that it was acting in line with the BJP’s interests. Senior TMC leaders said the development once again raised questions about the Commission’s neutrality, with some remarking that the office of the Chief Electoral Officer might as well function from the BJP’s party headquarters.

It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier written to the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, formally objecting to the proposal to set up polling booths inside residential complexes. Despite her protest, the Election Commission proceeded with the plan, maintaining that the decision was driven by administrative requirements and the goal of facilitating a smoother and more accessible voting process for residents.