Political Blame Game Erupts in Bengal After Retired Cop Names Mamata Banerjee in 'Suicide Note'

New Delhi: The alleged suicide of senior police officer Gaurav Dutt in Kolkata has kicked off another row in West Bengal with the officer's wife mulling to approach the Supreme Court along with BJP leader Mukul Roy.

Dutt, a 1986-batch IPS officer, passed away on February 19 and blamed CM Mamata Banerjee for his extreme step in a suicide note that went viral on social media. He accused Banerjee of abetting his suicide by keeping him on "compulsory waiting" — a punitive step when an officer is not given a posting — and for withholding his dues after he retired on December 31, 2018.

Attacking the CM, BJP leader Mukul Roy demanded Banerjee's arrest for abetment to suicide and also said there should be a CBI probe into the case. "This is for the first time in the history of West Bengal that a senior IPS officer committed suicide and blamed the government or a party leader," he said.

Dutt's wife returned home on Tuesday to find him in a pool of blood at his Salt Lake home. His wrists were slit. He was immediately taken to the hospital but did not survive.

BJP state president Dilip Ghosh had also on Friday demanded an investigation by the CBI. "We have a copy of his suicide note and it clearly suggests that he took the extreme step under pressure after being harassed by the state chief minister and her administration," he said, addressing a press conference.

He further claimed that the TMC government was depriving the IPS, IAS and the policemen from "their due respect". "I am in touch with a few of these officers. They are complaining of harassment by the state administration," Ghosh added.

In 2010, the senior police officer was suspended for alleged sexual abuse of a male constable. He had been repeatedly pleading innocence and smelt conspiracy behind it. His retirement benefits were put on hold due to the pending investigation.

Three weeks ago, high drama ensued in the stated capital after Banerjee protested against the arbitrary action by the CBI on the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the chit fund scam. The alleged suicide is likely to further escalate the tension between the ruling and opposition parties.