Kolkata, 10 August (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced major action in connection with the death of Vijay Kewat in police custody in Halisahar. He said it was “clear as daylight” that Vijay Kewat had died in police custody and maintained that police negligence in the matter had been established.

The Chief Minister said the post-mortem report would reveal the nature of the alleged torture inflicted on Vijay Kewat while in custody. Announcing disciplinary action, he said the investigating officer (IO) had been suspended, while the officer-in-charge (IC) of the police station would be sent to the police lines.

Adhikari also announced that the District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas would conduct a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

The Chief Minister further announced financial assistance for the bereaved family. An amount of Rs 10 lakh has been provided to Vijay Kewat’s family from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

In addition, Adhikari announced a job for Vijay Kewat’s wife, Jeni Sharma, as an attendant. He said she would receive Rs 15,000 per month for 12 months, after which she would be made permanent in a Group D post.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh