Paramilitary officer asked to explain ‘masked’ press meet

KOLKATA - The West Bengal government Monday started departmental proceedings against a paramilitary officer who lashed out at the authorities at a media meet after 24 troopers were killed in a Maoist ambush. However, senior officials differed on whether he has been formally issued a show-cause notice or asked to explain his conduct.

Chief Secretary Ashok Mohan Chakroborty said that Eastern Frontier Rifle (EFR) special Inspector General Benoy Chakraborty has been “show caused and asked to reply by today (Monday).”

However, Director General of armed forces Partha Bhattacharya told reporters, “As of now, we have not taken any action against him. I have sought an explanation. Seeking an explanation and issuing a show cause are not the same. Let me receive a report from him. Then I will see.”

Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen said: “No time frame has been given for his reply.”

EFR IG Benoy Chakraborty had held a sensational media conference at the EFR headquarters in West Midnapore district’s Salua Saturday, his face covered with a black cloth.

He came down heavily on the authorities, accusing them of not providing proper infrastructure at the Silda police camp.

Chakraborty’s attack came six days after 24 EFR jawans were shot dead by Maoists in a daring attack on the Silda camp in West Midnapore district.

Chakraborty said the decision to locate the EFR camp in a crowded area at Silda, the site of the daring Maoist attack, was “unprofessional”.

Meanwhile, the government Monday formed a three-member enquiry committee headed by the home secretary to look into the Silda attack.

The home secretary said Additional Director General (CID) Raj Kanojia and Inspector General (western range) Kuldeep Singh would be the others members on the panel, which has been asked to give a report in two months.