Kolkata Police suspend Kalighat SHO Goutam Das over viral gun photo, Chameli Mukherjee appointed new officer-in-charge
The Statesman | 4 May 2026
West Bengal continues to remain politically charged as polling activities and administrative actions unfold side by side. While repolling is being conducted in several booths across the state, a controversy inside the Kolkata Police has added another layer of tension to the election atmosphere. A senior police officer has been suspended after a social media post showing him with a firearm triggered concern and criticism.
The Kolkata Police took strict action against Goutam Das, who was serving as the officer-in-charge of Kalighat police station, after a post of his on Facebook began circulating widely online. In the post, Das was seen posing with a firearm and had written the caption “ready for new assignment.”
As the image spread across social media platforms, it drew immediate attention from the police administration. Officials reviewed the matter and decided to suspend him from duty.
Following the suspension, a replacement was announced without delay. Chameli Mukherjee, who was earlier posted as the officer-in-charge of Ultadanga police station in the eastern subdivision of Kolkata Police, has now been given charge of Kalighat police station.
This posting carries political sensitivity as Kalighat is the area where West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee resides. The officer previously held Goutam Das had earlier been working in the special branch before being assigned to Kalighat during election-related administrative reshuffling.
The incident quickly sparked political reactions. Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh raised questions over the appointment and background of the suspended officer. He alleged that Goutam Das had been brought into the Kalighat posting on the recommendation of the BJP through the Election Commission.
Ghosh also compared the officer’s social media post to a popular image of a police officer from Uttar Pradesh, suggesting it was an attempt to imitate a “Singham-style” law enforcement image, referring to Ajay Pal Sharma.
He further said that the party had already opposed the appointment of Goutam Das and had demanded that he should not continue either as a polling officer or in-charge of a police station during the election period.