What Actions Are Being Taken Against a Woman WB Police Officer Accused of Taking Bribes?
Synopsis
In a significant development, the West Bengal government has informed the Calcutta High Court about the strict measures taken against a female police officer accused of bribery. This case sheds light on corruption within the police force, raising important questions about accountability and justice.
Key Takeaways
FIR filed against a female police officer for bribery.
Investigation initiated by a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
High Court questions police inaction in the case.
Officer suspended pending departmental inquiry.
Concerns raised about corruption in law enforcement.
Kolkata, Sep 24 (NationPress) The West Bengal government informed the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday about the decisive measures taken against a female police officer suspected of accepting a bribe.
An FIR has been lodged against the officer from the Tarakeswar police station in the Hooghly district under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and a probe has commenced by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), as stated by the government.
This action follows the court's earlier inquiry into why the officer should not be scrutinized under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The division bench, comprising Justices Debangsu Basak and Md Shabbar Rashidi, heard the state's arguments on Wednesday. The court remarked that appropriate measures should have been adopted sooner, given that the officer herself confessed to soliciting a bribe. The court noted that merely issuing a show-cause notice was inadequate. The case is scheduled for another hearing on Thursday.
On September 19, the West Bengal Police faced criticism from the bench for allegedly failing to initiate any disciplinary actions against the officer accused of soliciting a bribe from a citizen.
The justices also questioned why the police department had not pursued proceedings against the accused officer under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and why no FIR had been registered against her.
Despite the issuance of a show-cause notice due to complaints of demanding a bribe, the court noted that the matter of the “bribe” was not referenced in the related documentation.
The state's counsel argued that, in addition to the show-cause notice, the accused officer had been suspended, and a departmental inquiry was initiated against her on September 17.
In the show-cause notice, she was asked to justify why her services should not be terminated due to the bribe solicitation, the counsel added.
The court was informed that she also faced charges of negligence and dereliction of duty from her department.
However, the division bench rejected this last argument, stating that the officer's actions constituted not mere negligence, but a breach of trust to the entire society.
The court subsequently directed the state government to present its final position regarding the matter by September 22.
As per sources, an engineer named Biltu Hazra had a dispute with his neighbor in Tarakeswar, Hooghly district. After filing a complaint at the Tarakeswar police station, Biltu alleged that the police failed to act on his complaint and he was subsequently framed in a false case. He discovered that the police were involved. Later, an audio recording surfaced in which the investigating officer from the police station is heard claiming to have accepted a substantial bribe.
Biltu then approached the Calcutta High Court regarding this issue, which initially began in a single bench before advancing to the division bench.
Point of View
This incident highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The actions taken by the West Bengal government and the response of the Calcutta High Court signal a commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring that no one is above it, especially those entrusted with public safety.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the investigation against the officer?
An FIR has been registered against the officer, and an investigation is underway by a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
What prompted the High Court's involvement in this case?
The High Court intervened after concerns were raised about the lack of action against the officer accused of bribery.
What actions have been taken against the accused officer?
The officer has been suspended, and a departmental probe has been initiated alongside the FIR registration.
How did the engineer become involved in this case?
Engineer Biltu Hazra filed a complaint against his neighbor and later alleged he was framed by the police for bribery.
What was the court's reaction to the police's handling of the situation?
The court criticized the police for their slow response and lack of disciplinary action against the accused officer.
