The reshuffle is seen as part of an effort to strengthen the police force’s performance and improve accountability. Among the most significant changes, R. Rajasekaran, the former Additional Director General (I) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), has been transferred to the position of Additional Director General (Training). Rajasekaran’s successor in the CID role, however, has yet to be announced.
The reshuffle follows a series of incidents that have sparked growing concerns about the state’s law and order situation, particularly after allegations emerged involving out-of-state elements. Notably, the recent arms recovery case in Sealdah and the controversial Kasba incident, which allegedly involved Bihar-based criminals, have prompted public outcry and political scrutiny. These incidents have significantly raised questions about the efficiency of the state police.
During a meeting at Nabanna, the Chief Minister of West Bengal expressed strong dissatisfaction with the functioning of certain sections of the CID and the police force. She took to task the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) to take swift and decisive corrective actions.
“I will reshuffle the CID completely. If there are complaints against anyone, they must be cross-checked thoroughly. If the complaints are valid, strict action must follow,” the Chief Minister said. “No one will stop that action. And if anyone tries, I will not listen,” she added, indicating her zero-tolerance approach toward inefficiency and corruption within the police force.
As part of the broader reshuffle, Damayanti Sen, the current Additional Director General (Training), has been moved to the position of Additional Director General (Policy Making). In this elevated role, Sen will oversee the development and implementation of new policies for the state’s police force. Meanwhile, R. Sivakumar, the outgoing Additional Director General of Policy Making, has been appointed as the new Additional Director General of the Enforcement Branch (EB), a key role aimed at improving law enforcement operations.
In addition, Rajeev Mishra, the current head of the Enforcement Branch, has been shifted to the post of Additional Director General (Organisation and Modernization). This role is crucial in the ongoing effort to modernize the state police and improve organizational efficiency.
The reshuffle is not entirely unexpected, as the Chief Minister had indicated earlier that there would be significant changes within the CID and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in an effort to intensify the fight against corruption. In a candid admission, she acknowledged that corruption persists among some lower-level police officers, which tarnishes the image of the state’s law enforcement agencies.
“The political leaders are often criticized for corruption. If any politician is involved in a corrupt act of just Rs 5, it is exaggerated to Rs 550,” the Chief Minister remarked. “However, politicians think long and hard before engaging in any form of corruption. It is the lower-level officers and staff in the police force who, unfortunately, get involved in corruption, and this is what gives a bad name to the state.”
Despite the sweeping changes at the top, sources within the police department have suggested that the reshuffle is part of routine administrative restructuring. However, the state has yet to announce a replacement for the vacant position of Intelligence Chief, which remains unfilled following the recent changes.
This reshuffle reflects the government’s growing determination to address the concerns over law and order in the state, as well as a renewed focus on improving the performance and accountability of the police force. With key leadership roles now reassigned, political and public observers will be closely watching for further developments in what is seen as a critical moment for West Bengal’s law enforcement system.