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The recent upheaval in the Kolkata Police leadership stems from the tragic murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College Hospital on August 9th. The incident sparked outrage among junior doctors, who protested against the alleged negligence and inadequate response from the police. Their demands centered around the removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal, whom they held responsible for the inadequate handling of the case. Public pressure intensified, and the situation reached a critical point, leading to a late-night meeting between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the protesting doctors.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Banerjee announced the appointment of Manoj Kumar Verma, a 1998 batch IPS officer, as the new commissioner of Kolkata Police. Verma previously served as the additional director general (ADG), law and order, in West Bengal. Goyal, a 1994 batch IPS officer, was transferred to the position of additional director general (ADG) of Special Task Force. This decision was seen as a direct response to the doctors' demands and an attempt to appease their concerns. While the transfer of Goyal may have temporarily quelled the protests, the incident highlighted the complex issues of police accountability and the need for swift and effective action in the face of such tragedies.
Goyal's tenure as commissioner was marked by controversies, with criticism surrounding his handling of various incidents, including the doctor's murder. Prior to his appointment as commissioner in 2021, Goyal served in various key positions within the Kolkata Police, including joint commissioner of police for the Special Task Force and Traffic, as well as additional commissioner of police. His transfer to the Special Task Force suggests a move away from the public eye, but it remains unclear whether this will signify a complete departure from active policing duties. The appointment of Verma as the new commissioner marks a shift in leadership for the Kolkata Police, with expectations for a fresh approach to addressing the concerns of the citizens and ensuring public safety.
Source: Manoj Kumar Verma is new Kolkata police commissioner, replaces Vineet Goyal