West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday issued what he called a “last warning” against attacks on police personnel and vandalism during protests, a day after violence erupted in Kolkata’s Park Circus-Tiljala area during demonstrations against a bulldozer drive targeting alleged illegal structures.
The unrest left six police personnel and two CRPF jawans injured, while 40 people have been arrested so far, Adhikari said, adding that the investigation was being monitored directly by the Kolkata Police commissioner.
After visiting the Park Circus Deputy Commissioner’s office and meeting injured personnel, Adhikari, who also holds the home portfolio, projected a hardline law-and-order stance and asserted that police would no longer function with “tied hands and feet”.
“I am giving a clear message that there will be zero tolerance towards this kind of unrest, hooliganism and anti-national, anti-social activities. We will not allow such things to continue,” he asserted.
The chief minister praised the conduct of police and central forces, saying they acted with restraint despite provocation.
“I came to see the injured police personnel and CRPF jawans, and understand the extent of their injuries. Yesterday, our entire force maintained law and order, prevented a major tragedy and protected people. I came here to tell them that the government stands firmly with them,” he said.
Seeking to reassure the force of political backing, Adhikari repeatedly stressed that police personnel should function fearlessly under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“I have told them that their home minister and chief minister are with them. The entire department, under the leadership of the police commissioner, stands with them. You all have done a good job,” he said.
In remarks carrying political overtones, the chief minister said the police force would no longer operate under past constraints.
“Do not think old rules still apply. If anyone believes the police force will continue to function with tied hands and feet, they are mistaken,” he said.
Referring to allegations of stone-pelting during the protests, Adhikari drew parallels with Kashmir and warned against repetition of such incidents.
“Political and religious organisations can hold programmes after informing the police. But gathering people, raising religious slogans and pelting stones cannot continue. Stone-pelting at police in Srinagar and Kashmir has stopped; I believe it will stop in West Bengal and Kolkata, too,” Adhikari asserted.
Calling the violence “planned”, he claimed social media activity indicated prior mobilisation.
“I am making an appeal – do not repeat these things. Listen carefully, this should be the first and the last such incident. We will not allow these to recur,” he said.
“Take this as the last warning. If such incidents are repeated, no one will be worse than me as the home minister,” Adhikari said.
He also warned that the government would pursue cases until conviction.
“If a policeman is touched, this government will apply the law to its fullest extent. Our responsibility does not end with arrests. We will closely monitor the process to ensure conviction,” he said.
Adhikari further directed police personnel to act strictly according to law without considering political or religious affiliations.
“Police should not have to think five times before taking action. Do not think who belongs to which party, religion or community. Act according to law,” Adhikari said.
Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on governance through trust rather than fear, Adhikari said police must function with confidence and assured institutional support for the force.
The chief minister also announced plans for modernisation and logistical support for police within six months and said he would request the Centre to retain 40 companies of central paramilitary forces in West Bengal for a longer period.
Appealing for grievances to be addressed through official channels rather than street protests, he said: “If there is a complaint against a police officer, approach the OC or IC; if against them, meet the DC; if against the commissioner, write to ‘Nabanna’ (state secretariat). But, taking up stones and creating trouble in the name of religious slogans will no longer continue in West Bengal,” he added.