Adhikari, who assumed office as West Bengal's first Bharatiya Janata Party chief minister last week, chaired the crucial meeting and delivered a firm warning against political interference, extortion, and misconduct within the police system. "Earlier, there was the ruler's law; now there will be the rule of law," he said, underscoring his government's commitment to ensuring that legal institutions function impartially and without political influence.
In one of the most significant announcements of the meeting, the chief minister declared the immediate dissolution of the Police Welfare Board, alleging that the body had strayed far from its original purpose and had effectively become the branch organisation of a political party.
"The Police Welfare Board was constituted with a good intention. But, eventually, it became a party's frontal organisation. I do not know how it helped in the welfare of the police, but it became a place for getting illegal extension of employment. There are people who have personally benefited. Today, we are dissolving the Board," Adhikari said.
To replace the disbanded structure and overhaul the state's policing system, Adhikari announced the formation of a high-level committee under the chief secretary. The committee has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive framework for police reforms and submitting its recommendations within three months.
The chief minister also sought to reassure ordinary citizens, stating that anyone subjected to harassment by police personnel could directly approach a police station and lodge a complaint. "The law is equal for everyone," he said, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of status or position, would be above the law.
Adhikari adopted a zero-tolerance stance against the alleged collection of money by sections of the police or local groups from e-rickshaw and auto-rickshaw drivers, as well as street hawkers. He issued strict instructions that extortion in the name of tolls or by unlawfully stopping vehicles on roads would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
At the same time, the chief minister made it clear that his government would firmly protect police personnel carrying out their lawful duties. He warned that any attack or assault on police officers engaged in maintaining law and order would invite the strictest legal action against those responsible.
The announcements mark the first major administrative intervention by Adhikari since taking office and signal an aggressive effort to restructure West Bengal's law enforcement system. By dissolving a controversial welfare body, initiating a formal reform process, and pledging equal application of the law, the new government has sought to send a clear message that political patronage and institutional abuse will face uncompromising scrutiny.
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