In a heartfelt address at his farewell parade, outgoing West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar emphasized the importance of inner guidance over external noise for the police force. Speaking at the Alipore Bodyguard Lines in Kolkata on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Kumar, who is set to retire on January 31, urged personnel to remain unaffected by opinions on social media and television debates.
Conscience as the True Compass for Police
Kumar stated that the police force should be driven by conscience rather than public commentary. "Our conscience should guide us," he remarked, highlighting that true courage involves standing firm in the face of challenges, not just aggressive actions. He elaborated that civil society expects officers to lay down their lives in duty, a point of pride, and that readiness for sacrifice is inherent to their role.
Defining Courage in Policing
During his speech, Kumar redefined courage for law enforcement. "True courage does not mean to fire bullets or charge baton. True courage means to stand firm," he explained. He acknowledged the difficult challenges officers face, from Maoist activities to unique geopolitical situations in West Bengal, and stressed that courage is their real strength in such scenarios.
Call for Unity Between Kolkata and West Bengal Police
Kumar also called for strengthening unity between the Kolkata Police and the West Bengal Police, noting that their combined strength is crucial. He praised the West Bengal Police as among the best in the country, citing the state's diverse challenges, including coastal and hill areas. Additionally, he advised officers to keep family and friends close for support during tough times.
Controversial Tenure and Legacy
Kumar's tenure as DGP and earlier as Kolkata Police Commissioner was marked by several controversies:
- He was questioned by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund scam.
- Accompanied Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during ED raids on I-PAC premises in the coal smuggling case.
- Faced accusations from the Opposition of phone tapping and acting on behalf of the ruling TMC.
- In February 2019, his house was raided by the CBI in connection with the Saradha case, leading to a dharna by Mamata Banerjee that ended after Supreme Court intervention.
Despite these issues, Kumar's farewell message focused on resilience and ethical policing, leaving a legacy of emphasizing internal values over external pressures.
