Kolkata: The Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal Monday promoted and transferred several IPS officers, including the two officers who were called by the Modi government on central deputation two weeks ago after BJP chief J.P. Nadda’s convoy was attacked in the state.
As many as 20 IPS officers were transferred, while 13 others were promoted.
Rajeev Mishra, who was the Inspector General, South Bengal, has been promoted as the ADG, South Bengal.
Bholanath Pandey, who was the Diamond Harbour SP, has now been transferred as the SP, Home Guard — a less significant post.
These two IPS officers were in-charge of Nadda’s security when his convoy was attacked on 10 December.
The position of another IPS officer, Praveen Kumar Tripathi, DIG (Presidency Range), who was also in-charge of Nadda’s security, however, remained the same.
These three officers were caught between Centre-state crossfires following the attack on Nadda’s convoy.
The MHA had issued an order asking the state to send the three officers on central deputation, but the Mamata government refused to release them, calling the order “arbitrary” and part of “political vendetta”.
Meanwhile, a senior IPS officer told ThePrint the state government’s transfer order is “routine”, adding that the officers were “due” for promotions.
“The (three) IPS officers were asked to join their respective positions by the MHA a few days ago, but the state government did not release them. This is now between the state and Centre to deal with,” added the official.
Also read: Shah defends MHA’s Bengal IPS officers transfer order, challenges Mamata to prove it’s illegal
Governor says situation in Bengal ‘alarming’
Meanwhile, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar tweeted saying that the situation in Bengal is “alarming”.
“Decoupling of police from political work is must for survival democracy. ‘Political Neutrality’ is quintessence of administration as per law. Its disregard by public servants by engaging as political workers cannot be countenanced. Such misconduct entails serious consequences (sic),” he wrote in a series of tweets.
Alarming reports that De facto boss @WBPolice Surajit Kar Purakayastha #SSA @MamataOfficial vigorously engaged in translating politically motivated police actions.
Concerned at Field police work of DGP- postings & transfer, investigation usurped by De facto boss Purakayastha.
— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) December 28, 2020
Reacting to the governor’s tweet, Trinamool Congress MP and national spokesperson Derek O’ Brien hit back saying Dhankhar is “nothing but His Master’s Voice” and a “disgrace” to the office he holds.
“Without basis, you criticise and demean Bengal to serve your political masters. You do this while enjoying Bengal’s hospitality,” he added.
Normally ignore you, but you have crossed the line. Enough. You are nothing but His Master’s Voice! You are a disgrace to the office you hold. Without basis, u criticize & demean Bengal to serve your political masters. U do this while enjoying Bengal’s hospitality. Shame on you https://t.co/NvVfVjAxzF
— Derek O'Brien | ডেরেক ও'ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) December 28, 2020
Also read: Mamata transfers top IPS officers, including director of her own security
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