West Bengal Governor Raises Security Concerns Over Kolkata Police Presence at Raj Bhavan
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/22nd June 2024
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed serious concerns regarding his security, citing the current contingent of Kolkata Police stationed at Raj Bhavan. This statement followed his recent directive for these officers to vacate the premises, a command that has yet to be followed.
Governor Bose disclosed his apprehensions to PTI, emphasizing his belief that the officer-in-charge and his team posed a personal security threat. He communicated his unease to Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee but claimed no actions had been taken to address his concerns.
Inside sources from the Governor House revealed that Bose had repeatedly reported to the state government about constant surveillance by the police personnel. He suspected these activities were conducted under the influence of external “influencers.” Bose stated that these officers were covertly monitoring his movements and those of his staff, actions he deemed unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Despite informing Chief Minister Banerjee multiple times, Bose noted that no steps were taken. Banerjee, who also manages the Home portfolio, has not responded to these allegations. Bose argued that such activities could not occur without the awareness of senior officials within the police department, which falls under the Home department’s jurisdiction.
Bose shared that he had gathered credible information regarding the misconduct of the police contingent under the current officer-in-charge. These sources confirmed that the police were acting against the interests of Raj Bhavan and its occupants. He personally verified these claims, strengthening his resolve.
The Governor also pointed out that some of the current personnel had previously been stationed at the state secretariat ‘Nabanna’. He insinuated that these officers were operating as informants for undisclosed individuals, whose identities he chose not to reveal at this time.
Back in November 2023, Bose had accused Kolkata Police of attempting to conduct surveillance within Raj Bhavan. In response, he limited their access to only the ground floor of the Governor House. He noted that his predecessor, Jagdeep Dhankhar, now the Vice President of India, had similarly restricted Kolkata Police’s presence within Raj Bhavan.
Despite these restrictions, unauthorized police personnel were discovered near the elevators, allegedly spying on the Governor’s visitors. Bose stated that these officers were caught in the act and subsequently expelled. He described this behavior as a criminal offense, highlighting that the officers reported their activities to both the officer in charge at Raj Bhavan and external contacts.
Bose, drawing from his background as a former bureaucrat, referenced the Mundhra scandal of the 1950s, which led to the resignation of then-finance minister TT Krishnamachari, who was held accountable for his secretary’s actions by the MC Chagla Commission. Bose stressed that if criminal activities were indeed being conducted by the police at Raj Bhavan, the responsibility ultimately lies with the Home Minister.
The situation at Raj Bhavan underscores a significant conflict between the Governor and the state government, raising critical questions about political interference and the integrity of security arrangements for high-ranking officials.
