Kolkata, 5 May (H.S.):

In a significant move ahead of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s scheduled visit to riot-hit areas of Murshidabad, the police administration has suspended two officers for gross misconduct and negligence of duty.

Shibo Prasad Ghosh, the officer-in-charge, and Md Jalaluddin Ahamed, a sub-inspector at Samsherganj Police Station, were suspended by the Jangipur Police District authorities. A senior officer confirmed the action, stating that both officers failed in their responsibilities during a critical period.

According to the suspension order issued, the officers will receive half of their basic pay along with other standard allowances as subsistence allowance during the suspension period.

The disciplinary action comes just a day before the Chief Minister’s planned visit to Suti and Samsherganj, areas that witnessed violent clashes last month. The unrest, which took place between April 8 and 12, was sparked by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. At least three people, including a man and his son, were killed in the violence, and more than 270 individuals have been arrested so far.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh