Suvendu admits police negligence in custodial death of TMC worker

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday visited the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker Birju Keot, who died in police custody at Halisahar in North 24 Parganas district, and announced compensation for his family.

Keot died in police custody on August 8, and his family has alleged that the police tortured him to death. The Chief Minister said a magistrate-level investigation would be conducted into the death in police custody “as per protocol” laid down for custodial death.

Mr. Adhikari said the investigating officer behind the arrest of the deceased has been suspended, and the officer-in-charge of the police station has been “closed” to Barrackpore Police lines. The State government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh and a job for the wife of the deceased.

Complaint to CM

Mr. Adhikari said the death had occurred in custody, and that police negligence was “clear as daylight”. Jenny Sharma Keot, wife of Birju Keot, and a former TMC councillor, said more than compensation, she wants justice for her husband. She submitted a complaint to the CM.

“I have expressed gratitude to the family on behalf of the government. They did not allow anyone to do politics over the death. The former Chief Minister [referring to Mamata Banerjee] came. But the family did not even meet her. The deceased’s elder brother told the former Chief Minister that they want justice, and only the administration can grant the family justice. They have trusted the government and the administration. This is a big debt to us,” the West Bengal Chief Minister said.

Vehicle attacked

Ms. Banerjee, the TMC chairperson and former CM, had visited the residence on Sunday. During the visit, her vehicle was attacked, and she claimed it was a conspiracy to kill her. Locals gathered at the site and raised slogans against Ms. Banerjee.

Mr. Adhikari said the police had provided Ms. Banerjee adequate protection, and the sloganeering was a result of public anger.

Supporters of Ms. Banerjee held protests across the city on Monday. Trinamool MLAs who have stayed with the former Chief Minister also staged a protest in the State Assembly over the attack.