Kolkata cops charged with attempt to murder

Senior police officers admitted that the incident was a blot on the force. ‘‘We have charged them under Section 307, which means attempt to murder. We will appeal for their police custody in the higher courts,’’ said Soumen Mitra, DCP, Detective Department.

He termed the incident ‘‘unfortunate’’ and something that should not have happened. ‘‘But while some cops have tarnished our image, Sen salvaged some of the lost pride,’’ Mitra said.

Colleagues, friends and relatives who thronged the hospital spoke of Sen as an upright police officer who always did his job with religious zeal. ‘‘He was a good footballer and always stood by his friends and colleagues,’’ said Ashish Gupta from Parnasree in Behala where Sen lives.

His colleagues also spoke of his dedication to work. ‘‘On several occasions, he took the initiative to tackle difficult situations. We are praying that he recovers,’’ says Abhijit Adhikary, a police officer.