Bengal CM meets kin of TMC worker who died in police custody, orders magisterial probe

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday met the family of a TMC worker who allegedly died in police custody in North 24 Parganas and said a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

He also announced Rs 10 lakh assistance from the CM Relief Fund for the bereaved family and a government job for the victim's wife. BJP MLA Arjun Singh, senior police officials and local leaders accompanied Adhikari during his visit.

Halisahar police officials face action

Birju Keot, the husband of former Kanchrapara municipal councillor Jeni Sharma Keot, was arrested in connection with extortion and other charges. He was produced before a court on Friday and remanded in police custody for five days. His death was reported on Saturday.

His wife has alleged that Keot was beaten inside the police lock-up and died. There was no immediate response from the police to the allegation.

After meeting Adhikari, the deceased's wife said they have faith in the administration but have grave complaints against officials of the Halisahar police station.

Adhikari said the inspector-in-charge of the Halisahar Police Station has been shunted to the police lines, while the investigating officer has been suspended in connection with Keot's death.

"It is clear as daylight that the man died in custody and police negligence is established. The exact circumstances leading to his death would be clear after the post-mortem report arrives," he said.

Magisterial inquiry ordered into death

Adhikari said a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident and Rs 10 lakh aid from the CM Relief Fund has been offered to the victim's family.

The state police chief and the home secretary would monitor the case, he said, adding that further action would follow the findings of the magisterial inquiry and the post-mortem report.

Adhikari said a notification regarding the inquiry and assistance would be issued later in the day.

Adhikari attacks Mamata over Halisahar visit

The Chief Minister also hit out at TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee over her visit to Halisahar a day earlier, alleging that she did not inform the director of security or the police commissioner about her programme despite enjoying Z-plus security.

Banerjee had faced a hostile crowd during the visit, with protesters surrounding her vehicle, shouting "thief" and throwing mud and slippers at the convoy.

While Banerjee alleged BJP workers were involved, Adhikari denied any role of his party and described the incident as a reflection of "deep public anger" against her.

"She has Z+ security. Did she inform the Director of Security or the CP? For a VIP visit, personnel have to be mobilised. It takes time," he said.

‘I am Chief Minister of entire state’

Adhikari thanked the Barrackpore police commissioner for deploying personnel despite the alleged lack of prior intimation.

He also contrasted his visit to Keot's family with Banerjee's tenure as chief minister, alleging that 315 BJP workers were killed during her 15-year rule.

"I am the Chief Minister of the entire state, not of a political party. I went to the house of a TMC worker because it is my duty," he said.

Referring to his own legal battles during the previous government, Adhikari said, "I went to the high court 104 times."

"She should follow the Blue Book. She should not give me lessons on administration," he said.