In a significant administrative move during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Kalighat police station, Goutam Das, has been suspended after a controversial social media post triggered widespread concern and political reaction.
The action follows the circulation of a photograph on social media in which Das was allegedly seen posing with a sophisticated firearm. The image quickly went viral, raising serious questions about professional conduct, especially at a time when law enforcement agencies are expected to maintain strict neutrality and restraint during election duty.
Authorities treated the matter with urgency, viewing the post as a potential breach of established service norms and behavioural guidelines applicable to police personnel. Following a preliminary inquiry, Das was placed under suspension pending a detailed investigation.
The issue was brought to the forefront by Trinamool Congress (TMC) state vice president Jayprakash Majumdar, who shared the image on X and formally flagged the matter to the Election Commission.
“This picture is not only alarming but also highly objectionable from a legal standpoint. It shows the OC holding a modern weapon and aiming it at someone, which is extremely concerning,” Majumdar said.
He further underscored that such actions violate existing rules governing police conduct. “In our state, no police personnel on duty is allowed to take photographs in uniform and post them on social media there are clear guidelines from Kolkata Police on this. Similar restrictions exist in other states as well. Moreover, under the current Government of India protocols on social media use, such public display of weapons, especially with a threatening message, is strictly prohibited,” he added.
Majumdar also raised questions about whether the firearm used in the image was officially issued and whether the officer was authorised or trained to handle such a weapon. He alleged that such content could be perceived as intimidation and called for an impartial probe into the incident.
According to sources, formal complaints were sent to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, and Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand, seeking swift and decisive action.
Following Das’s suspension, Chameli Mukhopadhyay has been appointed as the new OC of Kalighat police station. The prompt replacement signals the administration’s intent to ensure uninterrupted policing and strict adherence to election protocols in the area.
Mukhopadhyay’s appointment also comes amid a broader trend of administrative reshuffles within Kolkata Police in recent weeks, with several officers being transferred or reassigned ahead of polling to maintain efficiency and oversight.
The development highlights heightened vigilance by both the Election Commission and law enforcement authorities as they monitor the conduct of personnel during the sensitive election period. Officials have confirmed that a detailed probe into the incident is underway, and further action will be determined based on its findings.
For now, the focus remains on maintaining order and ensuring that election-related duties in Kalighat and surrounding areas are carried out in accordance with established norms and regulations.
