WB CM admits police negligence in custodial death, announces compensation for family
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has acknowledged police negligence in the custodial death of a party worker and announced compensation for the family. A magistrate-level investigation is underway, and the officers involved have been suspended or reassigned.
Why it matters
The incident underscores issues of police accountability and human rights in custody, while also highlighting the shifting political landscape in West Bengal.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday (August 10, 2026) visited the residence of Trinamool Congress worker Birju Keot, who died in police custody at Halisahar in North 24 Parganas district, and announced compensation for his family.
Mr. Keot died in police custody on August 8, and his family has alleged that the police tortured him to death. The Chief Minister said that a magistrate-level investigation would be conducted into the death in police custody "as per protocol” laid down for custodial death. Mr. Adhikari said the investigating officer who was behind the arrest of the deceased has been suspended, and the officer-in-charge of the police station has been “closed” to Barrackpore Police lines. The State government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh and a job for the wife of the deceased.
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