In a major political and administrative development, West Bengal Chief Minister and Home Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Halisahar on Monday morning to meet the grieving family of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker who allegedly died while in police custody.
Adhikari’s visit follows a tense situation on Sunday when former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly faced protest slogans from crowds in the area, while the victim’s family declined to meet her. Expressing gratitude toward the bereaved family for maintaining restraint and seeking justice rather than politicizing the tragedy, the Chief Minister announced key administrative measures and relief packages.
Immediate Administrative Action & Relief Measures
Addressing the media alongside local MLA Arjun Singh and the Director General of Police , Suvendu Adhikari confirmed that the Investigating Officer (IO) connected to the case has been suspended immediately. Due to the gravity of the incident, a formal magisterial inquiry has also been ordered.
To support the victim’s family, the Chief Minister announced the following:
The deceased worker’s wife, who serves as a local municipal councillor, has been appointed as a Personal Attendant under the Chief Minister’s discretionary quota. The position offers a monthly stipend of ₹15,000, with a pathway to permanent Group-D employment after one year.
A grant of ₹10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund has been provided to the family.
The state government will fully assume responsibility for the future education and well-being of the victim’s two young children.
“It is clear as day that the individual passed away while in police custody,” stated Chief Minister Adhikari. “The exact extent of physical torture will be determined once the post-mortem report—conducted in the presence of three doctors is finalized. Those responsible will face strict action.”
A Departure from Past Political Precedents
Highlighting the unique nature of his visit, Adhikari emphasized that despite the victim’s family belonging to an opposing political party, his administration prioritizes accountability and justice above political divides. He noted that such direct outreach by a sitting Chief Minister accompanied by the top police leadership to an opposition worker’s residence was unprecedented in the state’s recent political history.
The Chief Minister reassured the public that the state administration and police force are committed to carrying out an unbiased, thorough investigation to deliver justice to the family.