A controversy has surfaced around Kalighat Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Gautam Das, after a photo showing him with an “advanced firearm” appeared on social media. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) termed the image “objectionable” and approached the Election Commission with a formal complaint.
TMC state vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, and Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand, seeking intervention in the matter.
Commission seeks report, Kolkata Police acts
Following the complaint, the Election Commission called for a report. Soon after, Lalbazar confirmed that Gautam Das would be removed from his position as OC of Kalighat Police Station and has been suspended. The charge has been handed over to Chameli Mukherjee, who currently serves as the OC of Ultadanga Women’s Police Station.
The State Chief Electoral Officer also instructed the Kolkata Police Commissioner to examine the issue and submit a detailed report.
Details of the post and allegations
According to Majumdar, the image was posted by Gautam Das himself on Facebook and WhatsApp status. In the picture, he is seen seated in uniform, holding a modern firearm. The caption read, “Ready for new responsibility.” Majumdar had also referred to a Facebook account on his X handle, though the post was later deleted.
The development comes shortly after changes were made to the Kalighat PS leadership ahead of the second phase of elections. On March 29, Utpal Ghosh from the Detective Department was appointed OC. Within a month, he was replaced by Gautam Das from the Special Branch.
With elections underway, the social media post has added a fresh layer to the ongoing political developments in the state, drawing attention from both administrative and electoral authorities.
