Bengal CID probes custodial death of ex-TMC councillor's husband in Kanchrapara
Synopsis
West Bengal's CID has taken over the custodial death probe of Birju Keot — arrested on 6 August, found unconscious in prison two days later, and dead before reaching hospital. With the local IO suspended, the Inspector-in-Charge removed, and CM Adhikari personally visiting the family, this case has become a test of the state's accountability on police custody deaths.
Key Takeaways
CID West Bengal has taken over the custodial death investigation of Birju Keot on the directive of CM Suvendu Adhikari .
Birju Keot was arrested on 6 August , found unconscious on 8 August , and died en route to Kalyani Hospital .
The local police station's Investigating Officer has been suspended; the Inspector-in-Charge has been removed from duty.
A Magistrate-level inquiry has been assigned to North 24 Parganas District Magistrate Shilpi Gourisaria .
The family has been offered ₹10 lakh financial assistance and ₹15,000 per month for one year, followed by a Group-D government job for the widow.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal Police has taken over the investigation into the custodial death of Birju Keot, husband of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor of Kanchrapara Municipality, Jenny Sharma Keot, following a directive from West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The CID takeover, confirmed on 18 August, comes after the Chief Minister publicly acknowledged police lapses in the case.
Sequence of Events
Birju Keot was arrested on 6 August on multiple charges, including extortion and assault. In the early hours of 8 August, he was found in an unconscious state inside the prison and was rushed to Kalyani Hospital, where he died en route. The incident triggered immediate scrutiny of the local police station's conduct.
The Investigating Officer (IO) of the local police station has since been suspended, and the Inspector-in-Charge has been 'closed' — a term indicating removal from active duty — in connection with the death.
Government Response and Probe Orders
Chief Minister Adhikari visited the family of the deceased on 10 August and, on the same day, announced that a Magistrate-level inquiry would be conducted in line with established protocol for deaths in police custody. North 24 Parganas District Magistrate Shilpi Gourisaria was assigned to lead this parallel inquiry. The Chief Minister stated that the investigation's progress would be regularly communicated to both his office and the deceased's family.
This comes amid heightened public scrutiny of custodial deaths across India, with courts and rights bodies repeatedly flagging the need for independent oversight whenever a death occurs in state custody.
Relief Announced for the Family
Acknowledging the family's financial vulnerability — Birju Keot is survived by a wife and two children — Chief Minister Adhikari announced a financial assistance package of ₹10 lakh, even though the family had not formally applied for it. Additionally, the family members are to be offered positions as 'attendants' under the Home Minister.
Speaking about employment support, the Chief Minister said: 'The deceased man's wife will be given financial assistance of ₹15,000 per month for a year. After that, she will be given a job in Group-D position.'
What Happens Next
With both the CID and a Magistrate-level inquiry now running concurrently, the case will be watched closely for whether the parallel probes produce consistent findings. Notably, the suspension of the local IO and the removal of the Inspector-in-Charge signal that the state government is moving quickly to distance itself from the conduct of the station-level officers. Whether criminal charges follow will depend on the findings of the CID investigation.
Point of View
IO suspension, CM visit, financial package — reflects political pressure more than institutional reflex. Custodial deaths in West Bengal, as elsewhere, rarely reach this level of official acknowledgment unless the victim has a political connection, however peripheral. The fact that Birju Keot's wife was a TMC councillor almost certainly accelerated the state's reaction. The real accountability test is whether the CID probe leads to criminal prosecution of the officers involved, or whether the financial package and job offer quietly close the chapter without a trial.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Birju Keot and how did he die?
Birju Keot was the husband of former Trinamool Congress councillor Jenny Sharma Keot of Kanchrapara Municipality. He was arrested on 6 August on charges including extortion and assault, found in an unconscious state inside prison in the early hours of 8 August, and died before reaching Kalyani Hospital.
Why has the CID taken over the investigation?
The CID took over on the directive of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who publicly admitted that there were lapses on the part of the local police. The transfer to CID is intended to ensure an independent investigation beyond the jurisdiction of the station-level officers involved.
What action has been taken against the police officers?
The Investigating Officer of the local police station has been suspended, and the Inspector-in-Charge has been 'closed' — meaning removed from active duty — in connection with Birju Keot's custodial death.
What relief has the West Bengal government announced for the family?
Chief Minister Adhikari announced a financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for the family, along with ₹15,000 per month for one year for the widow, followed by a Group-D government job. Family members have also been offered positions as attendants under the Home Minister.
Is there a separate inquiry running alongside the CID probe?
Yes. A Magistrate-level inquiry has been assigned to North 24 Parganas District Magistrate Shilpi Gourisaria, running concurrently with the CID investigation. The Chief Minister stated that progress updates would be shared regularly with both his office and the deceased's family.
