Row over summons for Bengal officers intensifies

The tussle between the Central and the West Bengal government has escalated over the deputation of three Indian Police Officers (IPS).

Kolkata: The tussle between the Central and the West Bengal government has escalated over the deputation of three Indian Police Officers (IPS). Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has again refused to send three IPS officers for deputation after repeated summons by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

In a letter to the Bengal government, the Union Home Secretary asked the state’s Chief Secretary and police chief to attend a meeting at 5.30 pm today. The state government has suggested a video conference citing COVID-19 pandemic reasons. The centre is yet to respond.

MHA called for a meeting with Chief Secretary and police chief to discuss the law and order situation in the state.

"This move, particularly before the elections is against the basic tenets of the federal structure. It's unconstitutional & completely unacceptable!" she said.

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"GoI's (Government of India) order of central deputation for the 3 serving IPS officersof West Bengal despite the State's objection is a colourable exercise of power and blatant misuse of emergency provision of IPS Cadre Rule 1954," Banerjee tweeted.

The three officers -- Bholanath Pandey (SP, Diamond Harbour), Praveen Tripathi (DIG, Presidency Range) and Rajeev Mishra (ADG, South Bengal) -- were responsible for the security of BJP chief J P Nadda during his December 9-10 visit to the politically volatile state.

After the attack on Nadda's convoy, the latest flashpoint between the state and the Centre, the MHA had summoned the West Bengal chief secretary and DGP on December 14 for an explanation on the law-and-order situation in the state.

With PTI inputs