Kolkata Police Enforces Strict FIR Registration and Rapid Response Protocols
In a decisive move to enhance law enforcement efficiency, the Lalbazar headquarters in Kolkata has issued a stringent directive requiring the immediate registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) for all cognisable offences. The standard operating procedure mandates that FIRs must be filed on the same day as the incident occurs, with no exceptions permitted.
Zero Tolerance for Delays in Election-Related Cases
This order is specifically designed to address and eliminate delays in reporting election-related disturbances, which have been a growing concern. The directive explicitly warns that any police officer failing to register a complaint on the day of the incident will face immediate disciplinary action, potentially including suspension from duty. This crackdown follows a series of instructions from the Election Commission, which has raised alarms over reports of certain police stations intentionally stalling complaints to avoid political complications.
Sources reveal that the Election Commission is particularly focused on ensuring neutrality and swift action during this high-stakes election period. Consequently, any incident of unrest or violence must now be recorded as a case within hours of the complaint being received, irrespective of political affiliations. To support this, police teams are required to reach the scene within 30 minutes of receiving a call, establishing a new "golden hour" rule for rapid response.
Accountability Extends to Officers-in-Charge
On Monday night, an additional commissioner of police sent a formal communiqué to all divisional heads and police stations, clarifying that accountability for FIR registration rests not only with investigating officers but also with the officers-in-charge (OCs). If a cognisable offence is not promptly converted into an FIR, both the duty officer and the OC will be held liable for disciplinary measures, which may include suspension from service.
To reinforce this directive, the police brass held a video conference with all OCs on Tuesday morning, emphasizing the importance of absolute transparency in operations to prevent any allegations of bias. While a similar standard operating procedure has been in place since the RG Kar incident, authorities noted that aberrations were occurring, necessitating this renewed and stricter enforcement.
Crackdown on Unauthorised Political Gatherings
The crackdown also addresses the misuse of public spaces for political rallies conducted without the requisite permission via the Suvidha app. Local police have been instructed to treat such unauthorised gatherings with seriousness and to file cases under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Representation of the People Act. This measure aims to curb illegal activities and maintain public order during the election season.
A senior official stated, "The message from the top is clear: zero tolerance for procedural delays. Officers will be summoned to Lalbazar to provide a written explanation for even a few hours of delay in filing cases." This underscores the administration's commitment to rigorous enforcement and accountability within the police force.
