Kolkata: In a stern warning to the city's police force, the Lalbazar headquarters has issued a directive mandating the immediate registration of FIRs for all cognisable offences, the SOP being to register the FIR the same day.
The order, aimed at curbing delays in reporting election-related disturbances, explicitly states that any officer failing to register a complaint on the day of the incident will face immediate action, even leading to suspension.
The directive follows a series of instructions from the Election Commission, which has expressed concern over reports of certain police stations stalling complaints. Sources indicate that the EC is particularly focused on ensuring neutrality and swift action during the high-stakes election period. Any incident of unrest or violence must now be recorded as a case within hours of the complaint being received, regardless of political affiliations, with cops reaching the spot in 30 minutes.
On Monday night, an additional commissioner of police sent a formal communiqué to all divisional heads and police stations. The order clarifies that the accountability rests not just with the investigating officers, but also with the officers-in-charge (OCs). If a cognisable offence is not converted into an FIR promptly, both the duty officer and the OC will be liable for disciplinary action, including suspension from service.
Further tightening the grip on field operations, the brass held a video conference with all OCs on Tuesday morning. A new "golden hour" rule has been established, requiring police teams to reach any scene of disturbance within 30 minutes of a call. The commissioner emphasised that the force must operate with absolute transparency to prevent any allegations of bias. While the SOP was in place since the RG Kar incident, the brass felt aberrations were taking place in this regard.
"The message from the top is clear: zero tolerance for procedural delays," said a senior official. "Officers will be summoned to Lalbazar to provide a written explanation for even a few hours of delay in filing cases."
The crackdown also addresses the misuse of public spaces for political rallies without the requisite permission via the Suvidha app. Local police have been instructed to treat such unauthorised gatherings seriously and file cases under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Representation of the People Act.