OC DUTTA: He is violating conduct rules, says IG, we will probe his role in the Maoist attack

If the West Bengal government let 21 Naxal suspects walk out of prison to secure the release of Atindranath Dutta, officer-in-charge of the Sankrail police station, Dutta hasn’t quite returned the favour.

In fact, there’s major resentment in the government over how he has carried himself since his release — being on a string of TV shows, changing clothes six times during a day for TV appearances, narrating details of his abduction despite being told not to do so and publicly “thanking” the Maoists for letting him go.

“He has become an embarrassment...shaking hands with the Maoists. He has not expressd any remorse over the death of two of his colleagues. This is unbecoming of an officer in uniform,” a senior police officer said.

Said Kuldip Singh, IG, Western Range: “He is violating conduct rules by speaking with the media day and night and divulging every detail of the case. We had asked him not to do so. However, we are evaluating the role of the OC as well as others in the police station during the Maoist attack. If some anomalies come forward, necessary action will be taken.”

“The SP had served him a notice to join duty immediately. He was released on October 22 and we gave him three days to recoup. On TV shows, we found him hale and hearty. Therefore, he should join immediately,” added Singh.

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