Did Suvendu Adhikari Write to the Rly Minister About Kolkata Police's Unlawful Actions?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, Suvendu Adhikari has raised serious allegations against the Kolkata Police regarding unauthorized actions at Sealdah Railway Station. His letter to the Railways Minister seeks accountability and protection for the rights of teachers protesting their job losses. This incident sheds light on the ongoing tension between law enforcement and public demonstrations in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Suvendu Adhikari alleges unlawful police actions.
- Protest by teachers against job losses was interrupted.
- Kolkata Police faced criticism for overreach.
- Call for strict guidelines regarding police jurisdiction.
- Importance of protecting democratic rights emphasized.
Kolkata, May 31 (NationPress) - The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, addressed a letter to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday, alleging that the Kolkata Police unlawfully entered Sealdah Railway Station in central Kolkata and took action against a gathering of "untainted" or "genuine" teachers who were staging a "march to state secretariat" rally. This protest was in response to their job losses following a recent Supreme Court ruling.
On Friday, the affected teachers gathered at Sealdah for a unique demonstration. Participants removed their shirts as they began their rally towards the Nabanna state secretariat located at Mandirtala.
Prior to the protest, a significant number of Kolkata police arrived at Sealdah Station to control the situation, restricting the demonstrators to the station premises.
Those few teachers who managed to break through the police cordon were swiftly apprehended and taken into custody by officers, who had police vans stationed both inside and outside the station.
According to Adhikari, the actions of the Kolkata Police were unauthorized, and the officers unjustly acted against teachers who were simply gathered without any agitation.
“I respectfully request a comprehensive investigation into the unauthorized entry of Kolkata Police into Sealdah Railway Station on May 30, 2025, and hold accountable those responsible... I further ask you to issue clear directives to ensure that the Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police do not enter railway premises without proper authorization, in accordance with the Railway Police Act, 1861, to prevent future violations,” stated Adhikari's letter to Vaishnaw, a copy of which was obtained by IANS.
He noted that this incident was not an isolated case of overreach by Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police at various railway stations across West Bengal.
“Despite raising this issue with the Sealdah DRM, no actions were taken. Hence, I have called upon the Railway Minister to step in and ensure these violations by Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police cease immediately,” he emphasized.
Adhikari also stressed the need to protect the rights of passengers and the sanctity of railway premises, asserting that it should not become a space where police can infringe upon democratic freedoms at will.
Point of View
This incident highlights a recurring theme of police overreach in public demonstrations. As the situation develops, it's crucial for the authorities to ensure that the sanctity of democratic protests is upheld, while also maintaining law and order. The balance between these two aspects is essential for a healthy democracy.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Suvendu Adhikari to write to the Railways Minister?
Suvendu Adhikari wrote to the Railways Minister after the Kolkata Police allegedly unlawfully entered Sealdah Railway Station and disrupted a peaceful protest by teachers.
What actions were taken by the Kolkata Police during the protest?
The Kolkata Police restricted the protesting teachers within the station premises and arrested those who attempted to leave the area.
What does Adhikari hope to achieve with his letter?
Adhikari seeks a thorough investigation into the police's actions and requests the Minister to implement strict guidelines to prevent unauthorized police entry into railway premises.
