Kolkata, Aug 18 (IANS) After the directive given by the West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal Police, had taken over the charge of investigation into the custodial death of Birju Keot, the husband of former Trinamool Congress Councillor of Kanchrapara Municipality Jenny Sharma Keot, earlier this month.
After the incident, the Chief Minister admitted lapses on part of police in the matter.
Now, following his instructions the CID had taken over the charge of investigation in the matter.
The deceased person was arrested on August 6 on multiple charges, including extortion and assault following which he was rescued from the prison in an unconscious state in the early hours of August 8.
He was quickly taken to the Kalyani Hospital but died on the way.
The Investigating Officer (IO) of the local police station has already been suspended in connection with the incident.
The Inspector-in-Charge of the police station has also been “closed” (means being moved out of duty).
After the incident, on August 10, Chief Minister Adhikari visited the house of the deceased Trinamool worker and spoke to his family members.
On the same day, the Chief Minister announced that a Magistrate-level probe would be conducted in the case of death in police custody as per the ‘protocol’.
North 24 Parganas District Magistrate, Shilpi Gourisaria, was entrusted with the responsibility of this investigation.
Chief Minister Adhikari also said that the progress of the government investigation will be regularly informed to the Chief Minister and the family of the deceased.
At the same time, the Chief Minister announced that considering the financial condition of the family, the kin of the deceased will be given jobs as ‘attendants’ of the Home Minister.
Although the Trinamool Congress worker’s family did not apply for it, Chief Minister Adhikari also announced a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh as the deceased man has two children.
Talking about the job, the Chief Minister said, “The deceased man’s wife will be given financial assistance of Rs 15,000 per month for a year. After that, she will be given a job in Group-D position.”
–IANS
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