The encounter spot in Gaighata
Kotal, who joined Bengal Police in 2021, hails from Diamond Harbour.
Speaking after an administrative meet in North Dinajpur’s Raiganj, Adhikari said his govt would not compromise on women’s safety and warned that those who disrespect women will face serious consequences. I have given police a free hand,” he said. Adhikari said police would take appropriate action in cases involving serious crimes against women, invoking the cultural and religious significance of women in Indian society and urging people to remain vigilant. The CM said police personnel would be expected to assess situations on the spot and act accordingly, adding that he would stand by officers taking action within the scope of their duties. Adhikari’s words came on a day police said a total of 12 rounds were fired in the two “encounters” at Gaighata and Shamsherganj on Tuesday. At Gaighata, police said seven rounds were fired during the early-morning encounter following which rape-murder accused Prahlad Das died.
“Whatever needs to be done will be done. Women have nothing to worry about. During the alleged escape attempt, Prahlad snatched SI Abhik Kotal’s service revolver and fired three rounds, striking the police vehicle’s windowpane and injuring Kotal in the hands and legs. Kotal, who is undergoing treatment at Bongaon Sub-Divisional Super Speciality Hospital, has been praised for his courage.
Kolkata: In the backdrop of back-to-back encounters, CM Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday reiterated his govt’s zero-tolerance approach towards crimes against women, asserting that police have been given a free hand to take necessary action against those accused of rape, gang rape and sexual harassment.
But Prahlad’s mother Rekha rejected the official narrative, questioning the encounter and demanding state compensation. She alleged foul play surrounding Prahlad’s death.