West Bengal Reconstitutes Police Complaint Authority to Address Serious Misconduct

The West Bengal government has reconstituted the State Level Police Complaint Authority to investigate serious misconduct allegations against police personnel. Retired Justice Ashim Kumar Roy will chair the panel. Recommendations by the authority will be binding on the state government, and the term for members is set for three years.

The West Bengal government has reconstituted the State Level Police Complaint Authority to investigate serious misconduct allegations against police personnel, an official revealed.

Retired Justice Ashim Kumar Roy will head the panel, which includes the Home Secretary, Director General and Inspector General of Police, and the Kolkata Police Commissioner. The reconstitution was formalized by a notification issued on Wednesday.

The authority will focus on incidents involving death, grievous hurt, or rape in police custody. In collaboration with the West Bengal Human Rights Commission, it will establish its procedures.

The recommendations made by the authority are generally binding on the state government. Any non-acceptance must be documented in the annual report's action taken section. Members will serve a term of three years.

(With inputs from agencies.)