Suvendu Adhikari says police have full support to act in crimes against women

PTI, July 22, 2026, Kolkata: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday said police have a "free hand" to act in cases of crimes against women and officers need not wait for instructions from any quarter, asserting he would stand firmly behind them.

Replying to an Assembly debate on the budgetary demands of the Home and Hill Affairs Department, Adhikari said ensuring women and children's safety was among the foremost priorities of his government.

The Chief Minister promised strict action against offenders within the framework of the law.

"I have told police in every meeting that if anything happens to any girl or woman, they need not wait for anybody's instructions. Do whatever is required under the law. The Chief Minister will protect you as a shield," he said.

Adhikari's comments came days after the rape and murder of a girl in Baruipur and the subsequent police encounter in which one of the prime accused was killed.

The police action triggered a political firestorm, with the BJP government defending the police action and the Opposition demanding an independent probe.

Addressing the Assembly, the Chief Minister sent a direct message to the women in the state.

"If anything happens to you... Do whatever you think is necessary to protect your dignity and safety. The government will stand by you," he said. 

Adhikari asserted his government would not take any case of violence against women lightly and that the administration would use every legal provision available to ensure justice for the victim.

"The people of West Bengal will soon realise the stand of this government on crimes against women," he said.

Adhikari seized the opportunity to target former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the rape and murder of a trainee medico at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last year that had triggered nationwide outrage and prolonged protests.

Adhikari alleged that crucial files in that case had been kept pending for nearly a year under the previous regime.

Drawing a comparison with the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, Adhikari highlighted police in the national capital had completed the legal process and ensured the death penalty for the convicts.

He questioned why a similar resolve was not visible in several cases of crimes against women in West Bengal under the previous TMC government.

"If Delhi could take the legal process to its logical conclusion in the Nirbhaya case, why could the previous government here not ensure similar action in several cases of atrocities against women," Adhikari asked.