Why were three cops remanded to judicial custody until July 31 in Bengal's post-poll violence case?
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Synopsis
Three Kolkata Police officers and an alleged facilitator have been remanded in judicial custody due to the murder of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election violence. This shocking case highlights the troubling intersection of law enforcement and political violence, raising serious questions about accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Judicial custody until July 31 for three police officers.
- Abhijit Sarkar was murdered amid post-poll violence.
- The CBI's investigation has named a total of 38 accused.
- Concerns about the integrity of law enforcement have been raised.
- This case exemplifies the complex relationship between politics and violence.
Kolkata, July 18 (NationPress) A former and two current officers of the Kolkata Police have been placed in judicial custody until July 31 by a special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Kolkata, in relation to the murder of BJP worker, Abhijit Sarkar, amidst the post-election unrest following the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Among the three officers, one is the retired assistant commissioner of Kolkata Police and the former officer in charge of Narkeldanga Police Station, Subhojit Sen.
Also remanded to judicial custody until July 31 are the then lady sub-inspector of the same station, Ratna Sarkar, and a home guard, Dipankar Debnath. Additionally, Sujata Dey, identified by the CBI as a facilitator in the murder, has been remanded to judicial custody until the same date.
All four individuals were named as defendants in the supplementary charge sheet submitted by the CBI to the aforementioned special court in Kolkata earlier this month. While placing them in police custody until July 31, the judge expressed that when a “protector” turns into a “killer”, the negative repercussions on society are substantial.
Abhijit Sarkar, a BJP worker residing in the Kankurgachi area of North Kolkata, was murdered during the post-election violence on May 2, 2021, shortly after the results of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, where the Trinamool Congress achieved a sweeping victory.
On July 2 of this year, the CBI released a statement indicating that a new supplementary charge sheet, naming 18 additional defendants, was presented to the special court.
This new charge sheet raised the total number of accused individuals in the case to 38.
The initial investigation was launched by the homicide squad within the Kolkata Police's detective department, which named a total of 15 accused in its charge sheet.
Later, following an order from the Calcutta High Court, the CBI assumed control of the investigation, registering a case in August 2021, and in September 2021 submitted a supplementary charge sheet against 20 accused individuals, including the 15 initially charged by the city police.
Point of View
This incident raises grave concerns about the integrity of law enforcement in politically charged environments. The involvement of police officers in a politically motivated murder reflects a deep-seated issue that demands accountability and reform. It is crucial for the public to trust that those tasked with protecting citizens are not complicit in violence.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the cops remanded in custody?
The remanded individuals include a former assistant commissioner, a lady sub-inspector, and a home guard from Kolkata Police.
What is the case about?
The case involves the murder of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar during post-poll violence in West Bengal.
How many total accused are there now?
With the new supplementary charge sheet, the total number of accused has risen to 38.
What did the judge say during the remand?
The judge remarked that the negative impact on society when a 'protector' turns into a 'killer' is immense.
What was the initial investigation conducted by?
The initial investigation was carried out by the homicide squad of the Kolkata Police.
