“Bengal Police Is the Best in the Country,” Says Rajeev Kumar at Farewell Ceremony

Outgoing DGP underscores courage, unity and responsibility amid questions over policing and leadership transition

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, January 29, 2026 : West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, who is set to retire from service on January 31, on Thursday described the Bengal Police as “the best in the country” and said that honest courage remains the greatest weapon of the police force. Kumar made the remarks while addressing a farewell parade and felicitation ceremony held at the Alipore Bodyguard Lines, attended by senior officers, police personnel and their families.

In his farewell address, the 1989-batch IPS officer, currently serving as the officiating DGP, praised the professionalism and dedication of both the West Bengal Police and the Kolkata Police, asserting that every rank—from home guards and civic volunteers to senior officers—plays an equally vital role in maintaining law and order. “The West Bengal Police is among the best in the country. From home guards to officers in senior positions, everyone contributes significantly. We are a family, and our strength lies in staying united,” he said.

Emphasising courage as the defining quality of a police force, Kumar said the police often operate in extremely challenging circumstances and must remain firm in their decisions. Clarifying his remarks, he stated that courage does not mean aggression or the indiscriminate use of force. “Honest courage is the greatest weapon of the police. Courage means standing your ground and remaining resolute in your decisions, not merely taking action or firing bullets,” he said.

Kumar highlighted the unique strategic and geopolitical challenges faced by the state, noting that West Bengal shares international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. According to him, developments in neighbouring countries and even in the northeastern states have a direct impact on Bengal, making policing in the state particularly complex and sensitive. Despite these challenges, he said, the force has consistently discharged its duties with distinction.

Referring to past operational challenges, Kumar praised the role of the state police in dealing with the Maoist problem and highlighted its effectiveness in managing massive public events such as Durga Puja and the Gangasagar Mela. He said that while similar events elsewhere have sometimes resulted in loss of lives, the way the Bengal Police manages crowds and maintains order during such occasions is a matter of pride. “Talk is not as important as work. You are one of the best police forces in the country, but this must be proved through action, not words,” he told the personnel.

Kumar’s comments come against the backdrop of repeated public scrutiny of the police’s role in recent controversies. Last year, parts of Murshidabad witnessed violence over the Waqf issue, during which a train was set on fire, and allegations were raised that the police failed to act firmly. More recently, MLA Monirul Islam was accused of vandalising the Farakka BDO office over the SIR issue, with videos of the incident going viral on social media and drawing widespread condemnation. The absence of prompt police action in that case also triggered criticism. Conversely, the police have faced backlash for the use of force against teachers who lost their jobs and were protesting, leading to intense public debate over selective policing.

Informed circles believe that Kumar’s emphasis on “honest courage” and firmness in decision-making during his farewell speech was a response to these criticisms, underscoring the need for balanced, principled and responsible policing.

Rajeev Kumar, a recipient of the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2005 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2015, served as Director General of Police from December 2023 to March 2024 and again from July 2024 in an officiating capacity. His retirement comes amid uncertainty over the appointment of a permanent DGP in the state. Although he is due to retire on January 31, his name has been included among the officers proposed by the state government to the Centre for consideration for the post.

The list sent to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) also includes IPS officers Rajesh, Ranbir Kumar, Debashis Ray, Anuj Sharma, Jagmohan, N Ramesh Babu and Siddhinath Gupta. As per norms, the UPSC prepares a panel of three officers from the names forwarded by the state, from which the state government selects one for appointment as DGP. The last permanent DGP, Manoj Malviya, retired in December 2023, but procedural delays in forwarding the panel led to its return by the UPSC, leaving the post vacant.

As Rajeev Kumar prepares to step down, his farewell message placed renewed emphasis on courage, unity and integrity as the cornerstones of policing, even as the force continues to navigate public scrutiny and a leadership transition.