Manoj Kumar Verma is new Kolkata Police Commissioner after removal of Vineet Goyal
PTC Web Desk: In a key reshuffle, IPS officer Manoj Kumar Verma has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Kolkata Police, following the removal of Vineet Goyal from the position. This decision comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met junior doctors protesting against the handling of the investigation into the sexual assault and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata.
Vineet Goyal, who has been under scrutiny for his role in the case, has now been reassigned as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the West Bengal Police's Special Task Force (STF).
Manoj Kumar Verma, a 1998-batch officer, earlier held the role of Additional Director General of Police (ADG) (Law and Order) in West Bengal Police. He has also served as the Commissioner of Barrackpore Police and as an additional director at the Directorate of Security. His new appointment comes at a critical time, with the ongoing protests by medical professionals and the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
The junior doctors, who have been protesting outside Swasthya Bhavan, the state's health headquarters, since September 10, had been calling for Vineet Goyal's removal. They are not satisfied over investigation into the sexual assault and murder of the trainee doctor, whose semi-naked body was discovered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. The Deputy Commissioner of Kolkata Police (North) is also expected to be replaced, following allegations from the victim's family regarding bribery.
In addition to changes within the police, the state’s Director of Medical Education, Kaustav Naik, and Director of Health Services, Debashis Halder, have also been relieved of their duties in connection with the ongoing protests and demands for accountability.
Manoj Verma is a seasoned officer with extensive experience in tackling sensitive issues. He has worked in the Jangalmahal region of West Bengal, a hotbed of Maoist activity in the past, and led successful operations against insurgents as Superintendent of Police (SP).
- With inputs from agencies
