Bengal to shift 8th battalion of armed police to Suti
Times of India | 8 June 2025
Kolkata: Bengal's home department has decided to shift the 8th battalion of State Armed Police (SAP) to Suti in Murshidabad from Barrackpore.The decision follows the state cabinet's nod for creation of a new subdivision in Farakka and comes nearly two months after violent anti-waqf protests in Murshidabad claimed 3 lives on April 11-12.The upcoming Farakka subdivision will include the Suti I and II blocks, as well as Shamsherganj and Farakka blocks, all to be carved out of Jangipur subdivision.Officials said the SAP move would enable the administration keep close tabs on the area and help in quick deployment of force in case of any exigency.There were allegations of police delay in helping villagers during the violence in Murshidabad. While Suti falls within Jangipur Police District, Nabanna officials said the force could also be easily shifted to any of the adjoining districts if needed. Bringing the force from Barrackpore took up a considerable amount of time, an official said.The SP of Jangipur Police District has been asked to check infrastructure available for setting up the headquarters of SAP's 8th battalion in Suti and send a report. The SP has also been asked to find a suitable place for the office of the commanding officer, a safe and secure place for the armoury and a big ground for the battalion's drill.It was earlier decided that SAP's 11th battalion stationed at Chharra in Purulia would be shifted to Suti but the plan was changed.