The West Bengal Police have sought a list of assistant sub-inspectors who should be transferred out for possible “harmful nexus harming effective policing”.
A circular sent to all superintendents of police and commissioners from the office of the Additional Director-General of Police (Administration) on August 27 said that “general transfers” of assistant sub-inspectors was underway. The message also sought names and present postings of officers “required” to be transferred.
Significantly, this comes at a time when the state’s policing system is under intense scrutiny in the aftermath of the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Apart from “harmful nexus harming effective policing”, the circular also cites tenures “exceeding seven (7) years” as another reason for the transfer.
SPs and police commissioners were required to respond in a set format that included names of the officers, their police identification numbers, present postings, and reasons for transfer by August 29.
It’s still unclear what the ADG meant by “harmful nexus harming effective policing”. ADG (Administration) Ajay Ranade refused to respond to queries when The Indian Express contacted him.
However, an SP from a northern district described the wording as “unprecedented and surprising”.
“Messages and notices for transfers do come occasionally,” this officer said. “I think it seeks for us to identify and recommend transfers of assistant sub-inspectors who are corrupt and have a nexus with criminal elements. In that way, it is a positive move.”
Another officer agreed, saying that this was particularly significant giving the general perception about the police following the RG Kar rape and murder case.
“I have never seen such wording in government orders,” this officer admitted. “But it may have a point . Of late, the image of police has been seen in a poor light by the people. I would say to an extent, the media is also responsible.”
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