WB CM admits police negligence in custodial death, announces compensation for family
Birju Keot, a Trinamool Congress worker, died in police custody on August 8, and his family has alleged that police tortured him to death.
On August 10, 2026, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the residence of Birju Keot, a Trinamool Congress worker who died in police custody at Halisahar in North 24 Parganas district. The family alleged that Keot was tortured to death while in police custody. Adhikari announced that a magistrate-level investigation would be conducted into the incident, as per protocol for custodial deaths.
The investigating officer involved in Keot's arrest has been suspended, and the officer-in-charge of the police station has been transferred to Barrackpore Police lines. The state government has announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for Keot's family, including a job for his wife. Keot's wife, Jenny Sharma, expressed gratitude to the government but emphasized the need for justice for her husband.
She submitted a complaint letter to Adhikari. The former Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, had visited Keot's residence on Sunday, but her vehicle was attacked, leading to public anger. Adhikari stated that police provided adequate protection to Banerjee, and the incident was a result of public anger. Trinamool Congress MLAs loyal to Banerjee staged a protest in the State Assembly over the attack on the former Chief Minister.
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