CID to Investigate Death of Former TMC Councillors Husband in West Bengal

Kolkata, August 18: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police has taken over the investigation into the death of Birju Keot, husband of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Jenny Sharma, which occurred while he was in police custody.

Following the incident, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari acknowledged that there was some negligence on the part of the police. In light of this, the CID will now conduct a thorough investigation.

Birju Keot was arrested on August 6 on multiple charges, including extortion and assault. He was reportedly taken out of jail in an unconscious state on the early morning of August 8 and was immediately rushed to Kalyani Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries en route.

In response to the incident, the investigating officer from the concerned police station has been suspended, and the inspector-in-charge has also been removed from his position.

On August 10, the Chief Minister visited the deceased TMC worker’s home and met with family members. During this visit, he announced that the case of death in police custody would be investigated at the magistrate level, following established protocols.

The responsibility for this investigation has been assigned to Shilpi Gaurisariya, the District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas.

The Chief Minister also stated that updates on the progress of the government investigation will be regularly communicated to the Chief Minister’s Office and the deceased’s family. Considering the family’s financial situation, he announced a job for a family member as an attendant in the Home Department.

Additionally, despite the family not applying for assistance, the Chief Minister confirmed that financial aid of 1 million rupees would be provided, taking into account the two children left behind by the deceased.

Regarding employment, the Chief Minister mentioned that the deceased’s wife would receive monthly financial support of 15,000 rupees for one year, after which she would be offered a government job in a Group-D position.