Bengal: Police suspend two police officers, remove civic volunteer over extortion charges

Kolkata, Aug 29 (IANS) Kolkata Police have taken strict action against two police officers and a civic volunteer following allegations of extorting money from goods vehicles in South 24 Parganas district.

There were allegations of forcibly collecting money by stopping vehicles in the Ghatakpukur Chowmatha area. The investigation revealed the involvement of a sergeant, a constable and a civic volunteer.

A senior police officer said on Saturday that the sergeant and the constable had been suspended after the initial inquiry, while the civic volunteer was removed from duty and demobilised.

“They have been suspended for now. A departmental investigation will be conducted,” the officer said.

According to police sources, the Bhangar Traffic Police Guard began investigating after receiving complaints. The inquiry examined the role of police officers on duty in the area, and the names of Sergeant Nurul Islam Mollah, Constable Shivanand Thakur and Civic Volunteer Ali Hasan Mollah came up.

Police sources said departmental action was taken after verifying the initial allegations. Sergeant Nurul Islam Mollah and Constable Shivanand Thakur were suspended, while Civic Volunteer Ali Hasan Mollah was demobilised.

The matter does not end with administrative action. A departmental investigation has been initiated against all three. The probe will examine the nature of the allegations, how long such incidents had been occurring, and whether others were involved. Investigators are also probing whether drivers were harassed if they refused to pay.

Police are treating the allegations seriously, especially on important routes for goods vehicles. In addition to suspending two police officers, Kolkata Police emphasised that any irregularities or illegal money collection while on duty would be dealt with strictly. Further action will follow after the departmental investigation is completed.

–IANS

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