📷 Image Credits: The Indian Express
The Union Home Ministry has initiated disciplinary action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for allegedly maligning the office of the West Bengal Governor by promoting and spreading canards. Governor CV Ananda Bose submitted a detailed report to the Union Ministry, accusing Goyal and DCP Indira Mukherjee of ‘functioning in a manner which is completely unbecoming of a public servant’. The report highlighted instances where Kolkata Police officers prevented victims of post-poll violence from meeting the Governor despite his permission.
Bose’s report, submitted to the Home Minister in late June, emphasized the serious issues at hand, including the alleged promotion of concocted allegations by a woman employee during April-May 2024. The Governor’s report led to the initiation of disciplinary action against the IPS officers, with copies of the letter sent to the state government on July 4.
The actions of Goyal and Mukherjee were condemned for tarnishing the office of the Governor and disregarding Conduct Rules. Specific incidents, such as the detaining of a delegation of violence victims and setting up a ‘security mechanism’ at Raj Bhavan without proper consent, were highlighted in Bose’s report. Additionally, allegations of sexual molestation against the Governor were found to be part of a pre-written script and used to create a false impression that criminal proceedings could be initiated.
Despite requests for action from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, no steps were taken against the accused officers, leading to further tensions between the state government and the Raj Bhavan. The complexity of the situation, involving multiple levels of authority and alleged misconduct, underscores the need for thorough investigation and accountability in upholding the principles of public service and governance in West Bengal.
