Crime against women, children: Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari gives police free rein
Times of India | 23 July 2026
Kolkata: “In case of atrocity against women and children, don’t wait for instructions, do whatever you want, this govt will protect you, stand by your side,” chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Wednesday, addressing police. He was speaking in the Bengal legislative assembly, replying to the debate on the home and hill affairs budget.
Adhikari, also the home minister, reiterated that his govt would adopt a policy of “zero tolerance” towards crimes against women and children and ensure strict enforcement of the law. Later he once more repeated: “Do whatever is legally required. Remember, your biggest shield is the CM of the state.” Pointing to the Baruipur rape and murder of a girl, he described the police response as a “model” for such cases. “The Baruipur case demonstrated how our govt responds to such incidents,” he said.
Devoting a substantial part of his speech to law and order, Adhikari promised women that the govt would stand firmly by victims of injustice and would use every legal provision available to ensure justice.
Claiming the previous govt failed to strengthen the state’s policing infrastructure, Adhikari said 43,073 sanctioned posts in the state police force—nearly one-third of the strength—were vacant. He announced that 16,000 new constables would be on the streets before Durga Puja, and 20,000 cops would be taken in immediately.
Adhikari renewed his attack on former CM Mamata Banerjee, alleging files related to the RG Kar rape-and-murder case were withheld for nearly a year. “I have information that suggests important RG Kar case files were suppressed for a long period,” Adhikari claimed, alleging Banerjee delayed action. Pointing at the 2012 Nirbhaya case, Adhikari said the Delhi Police had completed the legal process that led to the execution of the four convicts. He questioned why similar legal follow-up could not take place in several crimes against women in Bengal in the previous regime. “The present govt won’t treat any crime against women lightly. . The people of Bengal will soon understand the difference in our approach,” he said.
Referring to incidents, like Dhantala, Bantala, Nandigram firing and Suchpur, Adhikari alleged the previous govt failed to deliver justice though it used them for political campaigns. He also questioned why, death sentences in rape cases were not implemented in the earlier govt.
The CM repeatedly targeted Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee, questioning his absence from his Diamond Harbour constituency after May 4. Mocking Abhishek’s remarks on holding the govt accountable at the July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally, he said, “I will see where he stays. Let him first contest from Diamond Harbour. We have heard enough of these tall claims.”
Turning to corruption, Adhikari said, “If you see any cop demanding bribes or seeking money on the road, report it on the helpline.” He warned that properties acquired illegally in the past 15 years would be confiscated and auctioned.
He also accused the CPM of promoting chit fund companies and indicated files of several former Left functionaries, including a former CM in Tripura, would be reopened.