Kolkata Police Takes Disciplinary Action as Inspector Faces Allegations of Defamation

In a move aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the force, Kolkata Police has suspended Inspector Ekhlak Ahmed from 9 November, pending a detailed inquiry into accusations that he made defamatory statements against West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on social media.

The suspension order, released by Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda of the Central Division, emphasizes that the officer must remain off duty while the internal investigation determines if his conduct breached the standards expected of a serving police official.

Ahmed’s recent reassignment—from the Central Division post at Kolkata Medical College Hospital to the first battalion of the Kolkata Armed Police—did not alter the course of the probe, officials confirmed.

As part of the disciplinary measure, the inspector will draw only fifty percent of his basic salary and will lose eligibility for additional allowances. He has also been instructed to return his police kit to the reserve officer overseeing the Central Division.

The suspension follows a formal complaint filed after several online posts and comments that appeared to target the chief minister were linked to Ahmed. Senior police officials characterized the content as contrary to the decorum and ethical expectations of law‑enforcement personnel.

Authorities argued that allowing the officer to remain in active service could undermine public confidence and the smooth functioning of the police during the investigation, hence the precautionary suspension.

The inquiry remains ongoing, and the final outcome will be determined once the investigative panel completes its review.