It was an eventful year. When I took over as the Commissioner of Police of Kolkata, the assembly elections were on the anvil. So, facilitating a fair and peaceful election was my foremost challenge. Kolkata Police toiled round the clock  and ensured a fair, free and peaceful election. After the elections, the Hon’ble Chief Minister Minister Mamata Banerjee wanted both proactive policing for effective  law and order and security as also a crime free Kolkata and further wanted the police to reach out to the public. On 1 September, 2011, by a historic decision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, our area more than doubled. As many as 17 new police stations, 10 traffic guards and 2 Divisions were added to the existing 48 police stations and six divisions, to be managed within the existing resources. Kolkata Police, not only successfully met the challenge, but also ensured a smooth puja. All officers and personnel worked untiringly to achieve this. My salute to them for the  kudos received by the public – both in terms of law and order, crime and  an efficient traffic management system.

With the increase in our jurisdiction, we have now been focusing more on intense patrolling, crime prevention and detection and law and order management. The security of the citizens is our foremost concern and we endeavour to be vigilant always. We are updating technology so that we are better equipped to respond to different situations.

In the last one year, Kolkata Police has unearthed many fake currency rackets and seized over Rs.1 crore of fake currency. Our information also helped other agencies arrest dreaded criminals and terrorists.

            On December 9, we were struck by one of the worst tragedies in the city. A devastating fire at a South Kolkata hospital, AMRI, took the lives of 92 people, mostly patients, admitted in the hospital. I wish to express my deep sense of grief at the loss of lives in the AMRI fire and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims of the tragedy. At the same time, I am proud of the officers and men from Kolkata Police, especially the commandoes and Disaster Management Group (DMG) and the Fire Brigade personnel as also the residents of Panchanantala, who risked their lives to save several patients and other people trapped in the fire.

Under the inspirational presence and leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Kolkata Police was able to maintain law and order and also fulfill all formalities.

Kolkata Police, thereafter,  had to gear up for the police arrangements for the Christmas and New Year celebrations and ensured smooth law and order and traffic arrangements.

The New Year is a harbinger of a new hope and aspirations. Kolkata Police is aware of the heightened expectations of the citizens.  Ever since we have worn khaki or white,  we are on duty 24 X 7. The security and safety of the citizens comes first. Our own personal benefit and comfort comes last – always and every time.  I wish every citizen of this city a joyous and prosperous new year.