Following these allegations, the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate suspended sub-inspector Manoranjan Mondal who was the officer-in-charge of the Barabani police station in West Burdwan district. The suspension was based on charges of “unprofessional conduct and negligence of duty”.

Mondal is one of the several officers facing departmental inquiries from the state police and administrative departments. During their suspension period, each officer will receive half of their basic salary.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has become more active in addressing issues related to alleged sand and coal smuggling, launching operations in various parts of the state.

Banerjee had specifically pointed fingers at certain sections of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the grassroots police force, suggesting their complicity in illegal businesses. She “vowed” to take strict action against any individual involved in such activities.

Her allegations in a press conference came after senior Trinamool Congress leaders like MP Sougato Roy and Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Firhad Hakim questioned the police following a murder attempt on TMC councillor Sushanta Ghosh.