West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose issued a notice on Monday to Kolkata Police personnel deployed at Raj Bhavan, instructing them to vacate the premises immediately, according to sources at Raj Bhavan as reported by India Today.

The notice followed an incident where Kolkata police personnel had prevented victims of post-poll violence in the state from meeting the governor and informing him about their concerns the next day.

Sources familiar with the matter stated that the governor issued the notice due to his observation that the police were not complying with his directions, and he expressed discomfort regarding their presence, citing concerns for his safety.

According to an official source, the governor intends to repurpose the police outpost located near the North Gate of the Raj Bhavan into a "Jan Manch" or public platform, as reported by news agency PTI.

Last Thursday, Kolkata Police intervened to prevent senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and individuals claiming to be victims of post-election violence from entering the Raj Bhavan premises. This action was justified under Section 144 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure), which prohibits large gatherings in restricted areas.

In response, Adhikari and the other individual approached the Calcutta High Court, alleging that despite having obtained written permission, the police obstructed their entry.

The developments surrounding the Kolkata Raj Bhavan underscore a growing tension between political leaders and law enforcement over access to official premises and the handling of post-poll violence issues.

With plans to convert a police outpost into a public platform, Governor CV Ananda Bose aims to create a new avenue for public engagement. Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court's involvement reflects ongoing legal scrutiny over the interpretation and application of Section 144 of the CrPC amidst political disputes.

These events highlight broader concerns regarding governance, public access to institutions, and the role of judiciary in resolving contentious issues in West Bengal.

Image source: India Today