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The Director General of West Bengal Police, Rajeev Kumar, addressed concerns regarding the potential exploitation of the volatile situation in neighboring Bangladesh. In a press conference, Kumar assured the public that the state police force, along with the Kolkata Police, possesses the resources and capabilities to effectively manage any extremist threats. He highlighted the recent apprehension of a Kashmiri militant, emphasizing the diligent and quiet work undertaken by the West Bengal Police. The operation, involving meticulous tracking based on intelligence from the Special Task Force, culminated in the successful handover of the suspect to the Kashmir Police. Kumar stressed the importance of maintaining operational secrecy, particularly in counter-terrorism investigations, explaining why details are typically withheld until arrests are made. This underscores the delicate balance between transparency and the need for effective law enforcement strategies.
Kumar subtly criticized the Border Security Force (BSF) for perceived shortcomings in border security along the India-Bangladesh border. He acknowledged the significant influx of individuals crossing the border into West Bengal in recent times, highlighting the unique geographical position of the state, sharing borders with three countries. While recognizing the BSF's responsibility for border security, he implied that operational deficiencies exist, leading to increased infiltration. However, Kumar emphasized that the West Bengal Police is actively addressing the issue by apprehending intruders and referring them to the appropriate authorities. This points to a potential inter-agency coordination challenge and raises questions about the efficacy of existing border security measures. The statement subtly highlights the need for improved collaboration and potentially a reassessment of border security strategies.
A substantial portion of the press conference focused on recent changes to the passport verification process. Kumar explained that the police's role has been streamlined to ensure a smoother and more efficient process for passport applicants. Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Commissioners will personally oversee the verification procedures, ensuring greater scrutiny and accountability. This initiative directly addresses concerns about potential misuse of the system and aims to prevent fraudulent activities. The clarifications provided regarding the new police verification (PV) process emphasized that the police are primarily tasked with confirming the applicant's citizenship and criminal record. The police are not responsible for verifying information already checked at Passport Seva Kendras, including identity and address details. The simplified process avoids unnecessary meetings and signature requirements, focusing on essential aspects of verification.
Kumar's statements reveal a proactive approach by the West Bengal Police in maintaining peace and order. The successful apprehension of the Kashmiri militant demonstrates their effectiveness in counter-terrorism operations. However, the indirect criticism of the BSF highlights potential inter-agency coordination issues that require attention. The changes to the passport verification process reflect a concerted effort to improve the efficiency and integrity of the system. The collaborative nature of the police work, as highlighted by Kumar's emphasis on the public's cooperation, underlines the importance of community engagement in maintaining security. The overarching message is one of confident competence and a commitment to addressing security challenges while navigating the complexities of international relations and bureaucratic processes. The press conference served to assure the public of the state police force's capacity to handle security threats and its dedication to upholding law and order.
Source: ‘Doing our job quietly’: West Bengal DGP warns against ‘exploitation’ of Bangladesh crisis