Amid heightened tensions in Kolkata, particularly after the recent tragedy involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, the West Bengal government has made key administrative changes. In a significant reshuffle, IPS officer Manoj Kumar Verma has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Kolkata Police, replacing Vineet Kumar Goyal.
Key Changes in Kolkata Police Leadership
Following a meeting between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a delegation of junior doctors, it was decided that Vineet Goyal, the then-Commissioner of Kolkata Police, would be transferred. Around 4 PM on the designated day, the state government announced Manoj Kumar Verma as the new police commissioner. Known for his ability to manage crises, Verma’s appointment comes at a time when the city is grappling with serious law and order issues, particularly the investigation into the rape and murder case.
In addition to this change, Deputy Commissioner (North) Abhishek Gupta was also transferred and replaced by Dipak Sarkar, Deputy Commissioner (East) of the Siliguri Police Commissionerate. The reshuffle extends beyond the police force, with senior health officials such as Director of Medical Education Kaustav Nayak and Director of Health Services Debashish Haldar being removed from their posts following concerns raised by the medical fraternity.
Manoj Kumar Verma’s Profile and Career Highlights
- Distinguished Career: Manoj Kumar Verma, a 1998 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has a notable track record in policing. Known for his effective crisis management skills, he was awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMMS) in 2017.
- Key Achievements: In 2019, Verma received the Chief Minister’s Police Medal for his commendable work as the Commissioner of Barrackpore. He also served as Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) of Kolkata Police, where his leadership was highly regarded.
- Tackling Maoist Insurgency: Verma gained significant recognition for his role as the Superintendent of Police in West Midnapore during the government’s joint operation against Maoists in the Jungle Mahal region. His efforts in maintaining law and order during this turbulent period were widely appreciated.
- Crisis Manager: Verma’s expertise in handling sensitive situations has earned him the title of a “crisis manager.” His appointment as Commissioner of Kolkata Police is seen as a strategic move to restore order, especially with ongoing high-profile cases like the RG Kar Medical College incident.
Further Changes in Administrative Roles
- Health Department: In the wake of ongoing tensions, Director of Medical Education Kaustav Nayak and Director of Health Services Debashish Haldar were replaced. Suparna Dutta, who served as Director of the Institute of Health and Family Welfare, was also removed from her position.
- Special Task Force (STF): Vineet Goyal, the outgoing Commissioner of Police, was reassigned as the Additional Director General (ADG) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Special Task Force (STF) in West Bengal.
Conclusion:
The reshuffle of top police and health officials reflects the state government’s response to recent public concerns over safety and governance. With IPS Manoj Kumar Verma stepping in as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner, there is hope for swift and efficient action in the investigation of the RG Kar Medical College case and other ongoing matters.
