'Exemplary Punishment If Found Drunk On Duty': After RG Kar Case, More Scrutiny On Civic Volunteers In Kolkata

After the arrest of Sanjay Roy in the alleged rape-murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar hospital and an incident involving a drunk civic volunteer, this section has turned out to be a major embarrassment for the Kolkata Police.

Now, the force has issued fresh instructions on the conduct of Home Guards and civic volunteers. Sources told CNN-News18 that if a Home Guard or a civic volunteer is found to be under the influence on duty, they will be fired from their job. They said the West Bengal government has now decided to take a strict stand when it comes to complaints regarding behaviour and other issues against civic volunteers, a system that came into force after the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government came to power in the state.

On the night of August 30, an intoxicated civic volunteer banged into police barricades and was set free. He was only arrested after local residents staged a massive protest. Following this incident, the Kolkata Police issued strict directions on Saturday (August 31).

According to the sources, directions have been issued to all senior officers that if any Home Guard or civic volunteer is found to be drunk on duty, they will be given exemplary punishment. Home Guards and civic volunteers have to show extra care when they are dealing with the public, they said.

The directions said complaints have also been received about police personnel being drunk on duty, which is completely unacceptable, and exemplary punishment should be given to anyone found indulging in such behaviour.

There are also directions for security personnel to conduct themselves in a dignified and civilised manner at public places even when they are not on duty as this is expected from members of a disciplined force.

Sources said officers have been told that everyone should be repeatedly briefed if required to ensure compliance, while regular ‘sainik sammelans’ must be organised at different levels to ensure the same.

Civic volunteers assist the police in day-to-day law and order activities. But, there have been a number of complaints against their behaviour, as well as issues of corruption have also cropped up.