Union Home Ministry Takes Disciplinary Action Against Kolkata Police Commissioner and DCP for Alleged Maligning of Raj Bhavan

The Union Home Ministry has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Deputy Commissioner (DCP) Central Indira Mukherjee for allegedly spreading false information and promoting canards against the office of the West Bengal Governor, C.V. Ananda Bose. The move comes after Governor Bose submitted a detailed report to the Home Ministry, highlighting several instances of unbecoming behavior by the two IPS officers.

According to the report, Mr. Goyal and Ms. Mukherjee allegedly prevented victims of post-poll violence from meeting the Governor, despite his permission, and promoted concocted allegations by a woman employee during April-May 2024. The Governor’s report also mentioned that the police officers had issued identity cards to Raj Bhavan staff and frisked them upon entry and exit, despite objections from the Governor’s office.

The report further alleged that the police officers had set up a “security mechanism” at Raj Bhavan without the Governor’s knowledge and consent, effectively placing the entire establishment under “arrest” and “watch”. Additionally, it was found that a preliminary internal inquiry had concluded that allegations of sexual molestation against the Governor by a former Raj Bhavan employee were part of a “pre-written script”.

The Governor’s report also mentioned that Mr. Goyal and Ms. Mukherjee had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with unusual speed and continued media briefings to create a false impression that the Governor could face criminal proceedings. Furthermore, it was alleged that the police officers had registered a “zero FIR” at a local police station and transferred the case to New Delhi, despite the alleged complainant wanting to withdraw the complaint.

Governor Bose had written to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requesting action against the police officers, but no steps were taken, nor was there any communication from her office. He also referred to his recent visit to Siliguri to meet victims of Chopra violence, questioning the conduct of some officials in the state.

When contacted, Mr. Goyal and Ms. Mukherjee both claimed they had no information about the Union Home Ministry’s action. Calls to state Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty went unanswered.

The Union Home Ministry’s action came after Governor Bose submitted his report to the Home Minister in late June. Copies of the letter were sent to the State government on July 4. The official noted that the IPS officers’ conduct was not in line with the All India Services rules and protocol manuals, and that the State government was duly informed.

The Governor’s report highlighted several instances of unbecoming behavior by the police officers, including preventing a delegation of victims of violence from meeting him and subsequently detaining them. The official noted that it was troubling that the victims had to move court to meet the Governor.

The Union Home Ministry’s disciplinary action against Mr. Goyal and Ms. Mukherjee is seen as a significant move, as it highlights the importance of maintaining the dignity and authority of the Governor’s office. The incident has sparked concerns about the role of the police in maintaining law and order in the state.

Historical Context:

The article mentions the post-poll violence in West Bengal, which likely refers to the violence that erupted in the state after the 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election. The election was marked by intense political rivalry between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition parties, leading to widespread violence and allegations of political vendetta. The violence resulted in several deaths, injuries, and displacement of people.

The article also mentions the Governor of West Bengal, C.V. Ananda Bose, who was appointed in 2022. As the Governor, Bose has been involved in various controversies, including his alleged differences with the state government over issues like law and order and governance.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• The Union Home Ministry has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Deputy Commissioner (DCP) Central Indira Mukherjee for allegedly spreading false information and promoting canards against the office of the West Bengal Governor, C.V. Ananda Bose. • The Governor’s report alleged that the two IPS officers prevented victims of post-poll violence from meeting him, despite his permission, and promoted concocted allegations by a woman employee. • The report also mentioned that the police officers had set up a “security mechanism” at Raj Bhavan without the Governor’s knowledge and consent, effectively placing the entire establishment under “arrest” and “watch”. • The Governor’s report concluded that allegations of sexual molestation against him by a former Raj Bhavan employee were part of a “pre-written script”. • The police officers had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with unusual speed and continued media briefings to create a false impression that the Governor could face criminal proceedings. • The Governor had written to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requesting action against the police officers, but no steps were taken, nor was there any communication from her office. • The Union Home Ministry’s action came after Governor Bose submitted his report to the Home Minister in late June and sent copies of the letter to the State government on July 4. • The official noted that the IPS officers’ conduct was not in line with the All India Services rules and protocol manuals, and that the State government was duly informed. • The disciplinary action against Mr. Goyal and Ms. Mukherjee is seen as a significant move, highlighting the importance of maintaining the dignity and authority of the Governor’s office. • The incident has sparked concerns about the role of the police in maintaining law and order in the state.