Kolkata, 27 May (H.S.): Gautam Das of Kolkata Police has been directed to report to Nabanna. Das had earlier been suspended ahead of the Assembly elections after becoming embroiled in controversy. Following the change in power in the state, preparations are now reportedly underway to assign him a new responsibility.

The controversy had erupted over a photograph in which Gautam Das was allegedly seen sitting in his chair inside a police station while holding a sophisticated automatic rifle. He was also seen wearing his police uniform in the image. However, the authenticity of the photograph could not be independently verified. It was alleged that Das himself had shared the image on Facebook and WhatsApp status.

The photograph was first made public by Jayprakash Majumdar, who claimed that such an image was not only disturbing but also legally objectionable. He had alleged that the photograph gave the impression that Das was aiming at someone.

As the controversy escalated, Lalbazar headquarters took immediate action and suspended Gautam Das. Chameli Mukhopadhyay was initially appointed as the new officer-in-charge of Kalighat Police Station. However, within 24 hours, another reshuffle took place and Balai Bag was appointed as the new OC.

Sources said Gautam Das is currently posted in the South Division of Kolkata Police. He has now been ordered to move to Nabanna.

During the Assembly elections, the officer-in-charge post at Kalighat Police Station saw several changes. On March 29, Utpal Ghosh, who was then serving in the Detective Department of Kolkata Police, was appointed as the OC of Kalighat Police Station. However, within a month, the Election Commission removed him from the post. Subsequently, on April 25, Gautam Das, then posted in the Special Branch of Kolkata Police, was given charge of the police station.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey