Suvendu Adhikari blames Mamata Banerjee for the attack on her car
Suvendu Adhikari visited the family of Birju Keot, who died in police custody, a day after former Mamata Banerjee alleged her convoy was attacked by a mob
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the family of Birju Keot, who died in police custody, assuring justice and compensation, a day after former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged her convoy was attacked. Adhikari attributed the convoy incident to Banerjee's failure to inform police of her itinerary and suggested that advance notification is crucial for security. The investigation into Keot's death, which occurred following his arrest on multiple charges, is proceeding with a judicial inquiry and compensation package for his family, including a job for his wife.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the family of Birju Keot, who died in police custody, assuring justice and compensation, a day after former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged her convoy was attacked. Adhikari attributed the convoy incident to Banerjee's failure to inform police of her itinerary and suggested that advance notification is crucial for security. The investigation into Keot's death, which occurred following his arrest on multiple charges, is proceeding with a judicial inquiry and compensation package for his family, including a job for his wife.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the family of Birju Keot, who died in police custody, assuring justice and compensation, a day after former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged her convoy was attacked. Adhikari attributed the convoy incident to Banerjee's failure to inform police of her itinerary and suggested that advance notification is crucial for security. The investigation into Keot's death, which occurred following his arrest on multiple charges, is proceeding with a judicial inquiry and compensation package for his family, including a job for his wife.
A day after former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged her convoy was attacked by a mob on the way to Halisahar in North 24 Parganas district, incumbent CM Suvendu Adhikari visited the family of Birju Keot, who died in police custody on Saturday.
Adhikari said the onus of the attack falls on Mamata Banerjee. The TMC supremo, who has Z-category security, did not inform the police of her movements in advance, he said. He also added that it takes time to mobilise police to provide security in situations like Sunday's.
The CM said, in future, Banerjee’s office should inform the police of her movements to ensure adequate security cover. “Mamata can go wherever she wants, but not where there is Section 163 (a ban on gatherings of 5 or more people and protest restrictions),” added Adhikari.
“I appeal to the former CM, through her office, to inform whoever she likes of her schedule.”
Mamata was travelling with her MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Dola Sen when the vehicle come under attack. Adhikari rubbished Mamata’s claims that she could have died in Sunday’s stone-pelting targeting her car.
“It is a pathetic and painful incident. Yesterday the ex-CM tried to enter the house and they opposed,” stated Adhikari, saying the family told the CM they have faith in the state administration.
Adhikari, who is also the state Home Minister, assured the family of justice by suspending the Inspector-in-Charge of the local police station. The District Magistrate (DM) will conduct an inquiry and submit a report after the post-mortem report comes out. The post-mortem was conducted by a team of three doctors.
“He died in police custody due to physical torture. The family said we must take strong action,” said Suvendu Adhikari, adding that the family placed specific demands, which included justice for the victim and a job for his wife, who has children.
Keot’s wife, a former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor, will be appointed as an attendant under Adhikari's quota at a local police station, after which she can get a permanent Group D staff post after one year, to which she agreed. The CM also announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh from the CM Relief Fund for the family.
“The way they kept my husband in lock-up and he died, I want justice,” said Jenny Sharma Keot. “The CM gave me assurance and I am keeping faith in him.”
Birju Keot was arrested on Friday based on a complaint filed by a woman on August 1. There are various charges against him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, including cheating, assault, and outraging the modesty of a woman. His wife alleges she met him in the police lock-up on Saturday around 9:00 pm, hours before his death in police custody.