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Kolkata, October 26 (IANS) The in-charge of Chetla police station has been removed after a man was brutally murdered near the residence of Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim in South Kolkata. A senior state government official gave this information on Sunday. Amitabh Sarkhel, who was earlier the additional OC of Alipore police station, has been appointed as the new OC of Chetla police station.
It is noteworthy that Sukhendu Mukherjee was earlier working as OC of Chetla Police Station. However, although he held the rank of OC, he had already been promoted as Assistant Commissioner and continued to hold dual responsibilities. After Saturday night’s sensational incident, the state administration immediately removed him and brought in a new OC for the police station.
The horrific incident took place around 11.30 pm on a public road near Chetla 17A/17B bus stand, a short distance from the mayor’s residence. According to preliminary police investigation, the victim – identified as Ashok Paswan (42) – was assaulted and a rod was forcibly inserted around his neck, resulting in his death on the spot. This murder, which took place in a posh area of the city and very close to the mayor’s residence, has raised serious questions on public safety and night policing in the area.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma said, “Police picketing is going on in the area. We have already detained several people suspected to be involved in the incident. Two have also been arrested. We are searching for the rest. It is not that there is no police in the area. We are examining several inputs and investigating the entire matter.”
Meanwhile, former ADG Nazrul Islam came down heavily on the state police, accusing it of openly ignoring anti-social activities in the area. He said, “Just changing the OC of the police station means nothing. People’s morale towards the police has broken. Liquor parties are happening every day in this area. This cannot happen on public roads. If the police is not really aware of this then it is a failure of the police.”
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among local residents, who have alleged that late-night drinking and related nuisances on public roads have become a regular affair in the neighbourhood. He accused the police of turning a blind eye despite repeated complaints.
So far two people have been arrested, while further investigation is underway.
–IANS
SH/PGH