Kolkata Police officer Gautam Das, the former officer-in-charge of Kalighat Police Station who was suspended earlier this month over a controversial social media post, has now been directed to report to Nabanna, according to orders issued by Lalbazar.
Das had landed in controversy during the West Bengal Assembly election period after a photograph allegedly showing him in police uniform holding an automatic firearm surfaced on social media. The image, which reportedly appeared on his Facebook and WhatsApp status, triggered strong political reactions and complaints from the Trinamool Congress.
TMC leader Joyprakash Majumdar had publicly objected to the photograph, calling it “objectionable” and alleging that the post violated service conduct and social media guidelines applicable to police personnel. Questions were also raised about whether the firearm was officially assigned and whether the officer was authorised to use it.
Following the controversy, Kolkata Police suspended Gautam Das and replaced him as Kalighat OC. Chameli Mukhopadhyay was initially appointed in his place before further reshuffling led to Balai Bag taking charge of the police station. The Kalighat Police Station witnessed multiple officer changes during the election period, especially because the area falls under the high-profile Bhabanipur constituency.
According to the latest development, Gautam Das, who was serving under Kolkata Police’s South Division before the suspension, has now been instructed to join duties at Nabanna. However, officials have not publicly clarified the exact nature of his new assignment.
