Basu says cops suspended, Govt quiet

Later in the evening, the CM declined to comment on Basu’s statement. “The matter is being investigated by a judicial commission. It is not correct for me to comment,” he said.

Sources in the CPI(M) said the issue had come up for discussion at the state secretariat meeting. Bhattacharjee is reported to have assured Basu that the two junior officers—Assistant Commissioner Sukanti Chakraborty and Sub-Inspector Krishnendu Das of the anti-rowdy squad—who allegedly threatened Rizwanur have been suspended. This apparently prompted Basu to make the statement.

But the official CPI(M) statement just said the state has ordered an inquiry into the death. The statement doesn’t mention anything about the suspensions.

Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee refused to comment. Other top officers too were tightlipped. On September 23, Mukherjee had told the press that Rizwanur’s death was a case of suicide or an accident.

Meanwhile, the Home Secretary said the Police Commissioner may also be summoned for inquiry if required. On whether the police intervention into the couple’s lives was justified, Ray said: “Not at all. Apparently, not at all.”