Adhikari acknowledges police lapse in TMC worker's custodial death; orders disciplinary action, probe

PTI, KOLKATA, AUGUST 10, 2026: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday acknowledged police negligence in the custodial death of TMC worker Birju Keot, and announced disciplinary action against the inspector in-charge of Halisahar by shunting him to the police lines.

Adhikari also said the investigating officer in connection with Keot's death has been suspended, and in accordance with protocol, a magistrate-level inquiry would be conducted.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by minister Arjun Singh, DGP Siddh Nath Gupta, and local BJP leaders, met the bereaved family a day after former CM Mamata Banerjee faced a hostile crowd during her visit to the deceased party worker's home, with the mob surrounding her vehicle, raising "thief" slogans, throwing mud and slippers at the convoy.

While magistrate-level inquiries are usually conducted by SDOs or deputy magistrates, the responsibility for conducting the current probe has been assigned to Shilpi Gaurisaria, the district magistrate of North 24 Parganas, considering the gravity of the case, Adhikari said.

According to him, instructions were issued to regularly inform him and the deceased's family about the progress of the government inquiry.

"It is clear as daylight that the victim died in custody and police negligence is established.

The exact circumstance leading to the death and its cause will be clear only after the detailed post-mortem report arrives and the mandatory inquiry is conducted," the CM said, after meeting the victim's kin.

"Till then, we are announcing disciplinary action against the officers concerned. We are closing IC, Halisahar to the police lines and suspending the IO of this case," he said.

Adhikari also announced that considering the family's financial circumstances, the victim's wife would be given a job as an 'attendant' in the Home Minister's Office and a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh would be provided.

"The deceased's wife will receive of Rs 15,000 per month for a year following which she will be absorbed in a Group D position. She has agreed to this arrangement," the Chief Minister said.

He also thanked the members of the victim's family for placing their trust in the government despite being TMC supporters.

"We have expressed our gratitude to the family. They did not give anyone an opportunity to politicise the death. The former CM had visited, but they did not meet her.

"The deceased's elder brother had told her that they wanted justice. They trust the government and the administration, despite grudges against the local police. That is a matter of great satisfaction for us," the CM stated.