Sanjay Roy, a citizen police volunteer of Kolkata Police, has been accused of raping and murdering a young doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
Amid national outrage over hospital safety, it is critical to question the existence and unchecked power of law enforcement backed by these political parties.
Sanjay Roy, a citizen police volunteer of Kolkata Police, has been accused of raping and murdering a young doctor at Kolkata's prestigious government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Investigators described him as a “deranged psychopath” and found disturbing content on his phone, including videos of incest and incestuous rape. Although he was known for his abuses, his role in the politically influenced Police Welfare Board and his past conduct raised serious concerns. However, he successfully manipulated the system.
Amid national outrage over hospital safety, it is critical to question the existence and unchecked power of law enforcement backed by these political parties. Apart from the obvious safety concerns for doctors and hospital premises, the rape and murder occurred while a doctor was on duty and taking breaks in a seminar hall on the fourth floor of the main building of the government hospital. the role and responsibilities of the operator.
The Citizen Police Volunteer Force, formed by the Mamata Banerjee government in 2013 for community engagement, has grown into an unchecked and unverified force that operates with the same autonomy and influence as other parastatals. Troops (such as SWAT) are on a similar level. The fundamental difference between these informal forces with excessive or unbridled power lies solely in their scope of authority.
Who are volunteer police officers?
Originally recruited for basic law enforcement support – including assisting with traffic management, assisting people during natural disasters, assisting police during major festivals or monitoring local events – these volunteers have now found their way into various locations without controversy, and holds the power that often occurs. Their actions and authority are rarely scrutinized, resulting in the existence of parallel enforcement systems outside the formal structures of law and order.
The same is true of police associations or police welfare boards controlled by political parties. These members are often accused by senior police officers of “disobeying orders”, “denying the orders and authority of their superiors”, “excessive indulgence” and “impunity for various violations”.
In Sanjay Roy's specific case, the rape and murder accused were housed in a police barracks that was meant for police personnel and not for citizen volunteers. Senior police officers say abuse of political power has become the norm for such groups.
No accountability, no transparency
The situation raises concerns about accountability, transparency and the potential for abuse of power, as these volunteers operate without the strict oversight typically required of official law enforcement officers.
The monthly salary or honorarium of police volunteers was increased from the initial Rs 2,000 in 2013 to Rs 8,000 in 2018. However, they are not part of the formal police structure and there is no system of rewards and punishments, promotions or suspensions and problems.
However, the examination system does not have a proper mechanism to recruit them. Eligibility criteria include that candidates must be local residents and have completed at least Class VIII.
According to a notice inviting citizen volunteers to apply issued by the Kolkata Police on July 24, applicants must be local residents, in good physical and mental health, and have no criminal record. News18 accessed the document. There is no mention of any inspections or tests. Volunteers undergo a week of training and then become volunteers under contract.
political tool
Opposition parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress and CPM have repeatedly accused this huge force of being a “political tool” and a “parking lot for Trinamool cadres”.
The Election Commission of India began expressing concerns over the use of volunteer citizen police forces during the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections. In 2021, the ECI said volunteers cannot engage in election-related work.
During this period, there were reports and allegations of abuse and political influence by volunteers, which led to a review by the Electoral Commission. The committee's concerns include the potential for inappropriate use of citizen volunteers during elections and the need for appropriate oversight and regulation to ensure impartiality and fairness.
